Laserfiche WebLink
Councilmember Vazquez spoke regarding the anti-ICE demonstration in and <br /> inquired about who requested mutual aid from SAPD, the differences in police <br /> involvement between the May Day and June demonstrations, and the use of less- <br /> lethal weapons during protests. He requested the Police Oversight Commission <br /> explore partnerships with other departments to help prevent future protests from <br /> escalating, and called for the release of body-worn camera (BWC) footage to the <br /> public once related litigation has concluded. <br /> Commander Lopez stated the federal agents called SAPD requesting for mutual <br /> aid. <br /> Police Chief Rodriguez clarified the differences between the May Day and June <br /> demonstrations regarding SAPD involvement. <br /> Councilmember Hernandez spoke regarding the anti-ICE demonstration and <br /> expressed concerns about First Amendment rights and the SAPD's role during the <br /> event. He inquired about de-escalation tactics, whether SAPD complied with AB <br /> 481 during the demonstrations, and whether U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli requested <br /> mutual aid. He asked about injuries and claims sustained by individuals who were <br /> arrested, how officers determine when to use less-lethal force, and whether BWC <br /> footage is reviewed in those instances to ensure proper protocol, reasonable use <br /> of force, and officers being punched during the demonstration. <br /> Police Chief Rodriguez explained the process behind de-escalation practices and <br /> stated that the department was not compliant with AB 481. He noted the City has <br /> received a civil claim that has since become civil litigation regarding an individual <br /> injured during an arrest, addressed the department's decision-making process for <br /> using less-lethal rounds, confirmed all body-wom BWC footage is reviewed for <br /> evidentiary purposes, and described instances of officers being struck. <br /> Councilmember Lopez voiced concerns regarding First Amendment rights and <br /> SAPD's use of mutual aid during the demonstration, inquired about the types of <br /> chemical agents deployed and their effects, questioned why the report lacked <br /> additional detail about the incident, and asked who communicated with the U.S. <br /> Department of Homeland Security (DNS) at the outset. She requested clarification <br /> on the reason SAPD formed a defensive line and how the department determines <br /> when a demonstration is classified as unlawful, <br /> Police Chief Rodriguez explained the request for SAPD's mutual aid in the <br /> demonstration, the formation of the officers at the forefront being a mutual aid <br /> response, and the classification of an unlawful demonstration. <br /> Commander Lopez stated CS gas was used and explained its usage and why it <br /> was utilized during the demonstration. <br /> City Attorney Sonia Carvalho explained the City has four government tort claims <br /> and one lawsuit regarding to the June 2025 demonstrations, therefore all <br /> information cannot be provided due to liability, and stated she took the DHS call <br /> CITY COUNCIL 23 APRIL 21, 2026 <br />