Agenda Packet_2026-02-17 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL 11 FEBRUARY 3, 2026 Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza spoke in favor of the drone program and hoped they can assist with illegal fireworks within the city. He asked whether the drones could be used in police pursuits or to monitor Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the City. Police Chief Robert Rodriguez clarified the drone program would not assist with vehicle pursuits but could step in if the pursuits turns into a foot pursuit and stated that drone use to monitor ICE could be considered interference with a federal operation. City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho stated that City Attorney’s office would work closely with the Police Department when drafting the policy to address any questions regarding drone monitoring. Mayor Amezcua asked City Attorney Carvalho regarding the possible request by the community to use the drone to monitor ICE and asked for clarification on the difference between the first responder drones and the portable drones. City Attorney Carvalho clarified the policy would limit the use of drones to assist with direct calls for service. Chief Rodriguez explained the first responder drones would be deployed when a call for service is received to provide real time information before officers arrive on the scene and the portable drones are smaller drones that would be kept in a patrol vehicle to be used for confined spaces. Mayor Amezcua asked for clarification regarding “mission creep” and whether the Police Department would provide any footage captured to ICE. Chief Rodriguez stated that “mission creep” prohibits the drone from being used in proactive enforcement, limits the use of the drones to calls for service, and stated that any footage captured is stored by the department and would not be provided to ICE. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza moved to approve the recommended action for Agenda Item No. 15, seconded by Mayor Amezcua. MINUTES: City Attorney Carvalho clarified the City will continue to fully comply with the California Values Act, SB54, to which the only exception would require a lawful order or subpoena. Councilmember Hernandez asked regarding the drone's 49-minute flight limit, its jurisdictional boundaries, and whether the footage constitutes public record. He also raised concerns regarding privacy and ethics of military equipment, questioned the policies protecting First Amendment protest rights, and requested specific details on drone deployment at 17th and Tustin. Finally, he suggested utilizing drones to assist other city departments. City Council 5 – 22 2/17/2026