Resolution No. 2025-XXX N.C.S. Page 1 of 4
Resolution No. 2025-XXX N.C.S.
of the City of Petaluma, California
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PETALUMA REAFFIRMING THE CITY’S COMMITMENT TO IMMIGRANTS, INCLUSIVITY, AND COMPLIANCE WITH CALIFORNIA LAW, INCLUDING SENATE BILL 54
WHEREAS, all City of Petaluma immigrant residents, whether they are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, undocumented residents, refugees, or residents with any other immigration status, are valued and integral members of our social, cultural, and economic fabric; and WHEREAS, immigrants, documented and undocumented, contribute to the prosperity, vitality, and diversity of Petaluma through their work, volunteerism, and cultural contributions; and WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma values the safety and well-being of all its community members and is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment where every person is treated with dignity and respect; and
WHEREAS, many immigrants in the City of Petaluma have worked the front lines during the global pandemic and wildfires of recent years and are considered essential workers; and deserve to work with dignity and free from exploitation; and
WHEREAS, many immigrants have created deep ties in the City of Petaluma, which they have cultivated for themselves, their families, and their communities; and WHEREAS, on February 27, 2017, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2017-032 N.C.S., titled “Resolution in Support of the Protection of the Human, Constitutional, and Other Rights of Community Members of the City of Petaluma”; and
WHEREAS, on April 5, 2021, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2021-040 N.C.S., titled “Resolution in Support of Solidarity with the Asian American Pacific Islander Communities and Denouncing Anti-Asian Racism, Discrimination, Intimidation, Threats and Violence”; and WHEREAS, on October 16, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-163 N.C.S., titled “Resolution Supporting Human Rights of All Petalumans and Condemning Hate Speech, Racism, and Acts of Extremism”;
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WHEREAS, on January 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a memorandum threatening legal action against jurisdictions like Petaluma for allegedly not cooperating with federal immigration enforcement; and
WHEREAS, the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in Printz v. United States (1997), protects local jurisdictions, such as the City of Petaluma, from being compelled to enforce federal regulatory programs, including federal immigration laws, under the "anticommandeering" doctrine.
WHEREAS, California Senate Bill 54 (SB 54), enacted in 2017 also known as the California Values Act, prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from using their resources to assist federal immigration enforcement efforts, except as specifically authorized under federal or state law, to promote trust between immigrant communities and local government; and WHEREAS, the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as upheld by the Ninth Circuit in United States v. California, 921 F.3d 865 (9th Cir. 2019), affirms that states, such as California, have the sovereign right to decide whether to participate in federal enforcement efforts, rejecting the Trump administration’s 2018 challenge to SB 54 and reinforcing the constitutional principle of the anti-commandeering doctrine; and
WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma recognizes the importance of aligning its policies with the law while upholding its values of inclusivity, respect, and support for immigrant communities; and WHEREAS, the Petaluma Council wishes to declare that the City of Petaluma is a safe place for everyone, including, but not limited to, immigrants from all countries, people of color, people of all religions, gender identity, sexual orientation, people with disabilities and all vulnerable communities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma seeks to reaffirm its commitment to being a community that values all community members, regardless of immigration status, and acknowledges that this inclusivity strengthens Petaluma as a whole.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Petaluma as follows:
1. Reaffirms Resolution No. 2017-032 N.C.S.: The provisions of Resolution No. 2017-032 N.C.S., titled “Resolution in Support of the Protection of the Human, Constitutional, and Other Rights of Community Members of the City of Petaluma,” are hereby reaffirmed and fully incorporated into this Resolution.
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2. Reaffirms Resolution No. 2021-040 N.C.S.: The provisions of Resolution No. 2021-040 N.C.S., titled “Resolution in Support of Solidarity with the Asian American Pacific Islander Communities and Denouncing Anti-Asian Racism, Discrimination, Intimidation, Threats, and Violence,” are hereby reaffirmed and fully incorporated into this Resolution.
3. Reaffirms Resolution No. 2023-163 N.C.S.: The provisions of Resolution No. 2023-163 N.C.S., titled “Resolution Supporting Human Rights of all Petalumans and Condemning Hate Speech, Racism, and Acts of Extremism,” are hereby reaffirmed and fully incorporated into this Resolution.
4. Inclusivity Commitment: The City of Petaluma reaffirms its commitment to ensuring all community members feel safe, included, and respected, regardless of immigration status, and recognizes that immigrants play a vital role in the City’s success and character.
5. Support for SB 54 Compliance: The City affirms its commitment to complying with California Senate Bill 54 and other applicable state laws that ensure local resources are used to promote community trust and safety while protecting immigrant communities.
6. Opposition to Threats Against Local Autonomy: The City condemns any baseless threats or attempts by federal agencies to coerce or intimidate local jurisdictions into acting against their legal obligations and values, including those enshrined in SB 54.
7. Promotion of Community Trust: The City will continue to support policies and practices that strengthen trust and cooperation between local government, law enforcement, and immigrant communities to promote public safety and well-being.
8. Recognition of Immigrant Contributions: The City recognizes and celebrates the many contributions of immigrants to Petaluma, including their work in vital industries, their cultural and civic contributions, and their role in building a stronger and more vibrant community.
9. Commitment to Compliance with Law: The City reaffirms its dedication to upholding both state and federal laws while protecting the rights and dignity of all its community members. The City’s policies will reflect a balanced approach that promotes inclusion and community trust in accordance with legal requirements.
Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City.
REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the Council of the City of Petaluma at a Regular meeting on the 3rd day of February 2025, by the following vote:
Approved as to
form:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
City Attorney
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ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
City Clerk Mayor