MINUTES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
SPECIAL MEETING — CLOSED SESSION
JULY 2, 2025
The City Council of the City of Downey held a Special City Council Meeting — Closed Session on July 2, 2025, of 4:17 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Mayor Sosa presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Hector Sosa
Dorothy Pemberton
Claudia M. Frometa
Horacio Ortiz
Mario Trujillo
Mayor
Mayor Pro Tern
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
ALSO PRESENT: Roger Bradley, City Manager
Vaniah De Rojas, Assistant City Manager
John Funk, City Attorney
James McQueen, Human Resources Director
M. Alicia Duarte, CIVIC, City Clerk
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Sosa asked City Clerk Duarte if any written public comments were received regarding the Special Closed Session item. City Clerk Duarte confirmed no written public comment was received.
Mayor Sosa asked if there was anyone present who would like to comment on the Special Closed Session item.
Lee Squire, resident, commented in opposition of Closed Session Item No. 1.
B.C., resident, commented in opposition of Closed Session Item No. 1.
Speaker No. 3, commented in regards to the illegal activities conducted by individuals posing as ICE agents.
Speaker No. 4, commented in regards to the federal government immigration raids.
Anna Hennins, commented in opposition to the lawsuit scheduled for discussion in closed session.
It was moved by Council Member Frometa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton, and so ordered by the Mayor Sosa to close public comment.
Mayor Sosa requested that staff research how neighboring cities are assisting residents affected by recent ICE raids and explore providing similar resources in Downey. The request was seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Pemberton.
He announced his intent to draft a letter to federal representatives urging a comprehensive immigration solution, including a clear path to citizenship and protection of due process for City Council Minutes
Special Meeting — July 2, 2025 1
immigrants, and asked that it be added to the City's legislative platform while encouraging other cities to sign similar letters. The request was seconded by Council Member Frometa.
Mayor Sosa urged his colleagues to remain united and work together for the benefit of the community, a sentiment that was unanimously supported by the Council.
City Manager Bradley confirmed that staff would add an item to the next Council agenda to review what other cities have done to support residents affected by recent immigration enforcement actions. He noted the agenda is being finalized soon but assured the staff report could be prepared quickly, though the initial staff analysis might be brief.
Council Member Trujillo asked if actions taken by other cities should be mentioned or if that discussion would occur during Closed Session. Mayor Sosa clarified that staff would prepare a report on that topic and that the Closed Session would focus solely on potential litigation.
Council Member Trujillo shared that Lynwood Council Member Luis Cuellar had invited Downey to join a proposed JPA of Southeast L.A. Cities to address issues involving the federal government and suggested that City Manager Bradley contact Lynwood's City Manager for details.
City Manager Bradley agreed to reach out and obtain information. Council Member Frometa added that such coordination would likely fall under the Gateway Cities Council of Governments but supported staff looking into it further.
Council Member Trujillo suggested establishing an economic impact fund similar to El Monte Cares and requested that the item be agendized. Mayor Sosa acknowledged the comment and clarified that this request was already included in his initial direction to staff.
Council Member Trujillo proposed adopting a resolution denouncing the recent federal government actions, similar to one approved by the City of Huntington Park. City Manager Bradley asked for the desired timeline, and Council Member Trujillo requested it be discussed at the next meeting, with staff preparing the resolution within two weeks. City Manager Bradley agreed, noting the next Council agenda would allow time for that.
Council Member Trujillo proposed that the City consider adopting a face covering ordinance, referencing a sample sent by retired California Senator Martha Escutia, who has been working on related legislation. The request was seconded by Council Member Ortiz.
RECESSED TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Sosa announced the City Council is recessing to Closed Session at 4:37 p.m. to discuss matters under the authority of the following sections of the Government Code:
1. Conference with Legal Counsel — Anticipated Litigation — Initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): (1 case).
RECONVENED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING'— CLOSED SESSION Mayor Sosa reconvened the Special Council Meeting — Closed Session at 5:33 p.m.
City Attorney Funk reported the Closed Session report as follows: In regards to Item No. 1, no reportable action was taken.
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Special Meeting — July 2, 2025 2
Mayor Sosa adjourned the Special City Council Meeting — Closed Session at 5:33 p.m.
HECTOR SbSA
Mayor
City Council Minutes