Item No.
1 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY: ROGER BRADLEY, CITY MANAGER
DATE: JULY 8, 2025
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION REGARDING POTENTIAL CITY RESPONSES TO
RECENT FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will discuss and provide direction to staff on the following items pertaining to recent federal immigration enforcement: budget allocation for individuals and families affected by ICE raids; amendment of the City’s legislative platform to include support for immigration reform; a resolution regarding recent actions of the Federal government; and an ordinance relating to the use of face coverings.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council discuss and provide direction to staff on the following items:
1) Budget allocation for individuals and families affected by recent ICE raids; 2)Amend the City’s legislative platform to include support for immigration reform; 3) Resolution regarding recent actions of the Federal government pertaining to immigration enforcement; and,
4)Ordinance relating to the use of face coverings.
BACKGROUND
In response to recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Downey and across the country, the City has emphasized the importance for residents to know and understand their rights. As such, staff developed a dedicated webpage with information and resources to keep community members informed. To bring awareness to these resources, a press release was issued and information was posted on the City’s social media platforms. The webpage offers comprehensive information with links to various resources such as “Know Your Rights” workshops conducted by the County’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, ICE online detainee locator system, immigration legal services directory, and what the City can and cannot do regarding this issue. All of this information and more is available at www.downeyca.org/yourights . The City is also in communication
DISCUSSION REGARDING CITY’S RESPONSE TO RECENT FEDERAL IMMIGRATION
ENFORCEMENT
JULY 8, 2025
PAGE 2
with local organizations to be able to host workshops and events specifically here in Downey for both residents and businesses.
At the July 2, 2025 Special City Council meeting, Mayor Sosa and Councilmember Trujillo requested that staff look into the following four (4) items so that the Council can discuss and provide further direction to staff.
1)Budget allocation for individuals and families affected by recent ICE raids; 2)Amend the City’s legislative platform to include support for immigration reform; 3)Resolution regarding recent actions of the federal government pertaining to immigration enforcement; and
4)Ordinance relating to the use of face coverings.
ANAL YSIS
1. Budget Allocation for Individuals and Families Affected by Recent ICE Raids At the request of Mayor Sosa, City staff researched different organizations that offer assistance to individuals who have been impacted by recent immigration enforcement, as well as organizations that provide essential items such as food to those most vulnerable in our community. Below are two (2) organizations the City Council may consider allocating funds to, which is in line with allocations from other communities.
Organization Services Provided Amount
Community Legal Aid
SoCal
Provide legal immigration
advice, counseling, and
representation, as well as
workshops on “Know Your
Rights” and “Family
Preparation” if faced with
separation/deportation.
$30,000
Downey First Christian
Church – Food Helps
Local food pantry offering
food to community members.
$30,000
Balance The $40K balance could be
used for those same
nonprofits if their funds run
out, or if there is another
need in the future.
$40,000
TOTAL ALLOCATION: $100,000
DISCUSSION REGARDING CITY’S RESPONSE TO RECENT FEDERAL IMMIGRATION
ENFORCEMENT
JULY 8, 2025
PAGE 3
2. Amend the City’s Legislative Platform to Include Support for Immigration Reform At the request of Mayor Sosa, the City Council will hold a conversation on the potential addition of amending the City’s Legislative Platform to include advocacy for immigration reform, which would allow writing advocacy letters in support of immigration reform that leads to a comprehensive solution and offers a path to citizenship. Should the item be approved by the City Council, the updated legislative platform and advocacy letters would be sent to the City’s congressional representatives in the House and Senate to highlight the City’s support for immigration reform.
3. Resolution Regarding Recent Actions of the Federal Government Pertaining to Immigration Enforcement Actions within the City
At the request of Councilmember Trujillo, staff is presenting a draft resolution (Attachment A) based on a synthesis of what other agencies are saying pertaining to this topic for the Council’s consideration and discussion.
4. Ordinance Relating to the Prohibition of Face Coverings for Law Enforcement At the request of Councilmember Trujillo, attached is a sample Ordinance (Attachment B) regarding face coverings for Council discussion.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Efficiency & Adaptability
Quality of Life, Safety & Infrastructure
Public Engagement
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommended actions will result in an appropriation of $100,000 from the General Fund to the operating budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
ATT ACHMENT
Attachment A: Resolution Regarding Actions of the Federal Government Pertaining to Recent Immigration Enforcement
Attachment B: Sample Ordinance Regarding Law Enforcement Face Coverings
RESOLUTION NO. 25-____
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REGARDING RECENT ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES IN DOWNEY BY
THE UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT
AGENCY
WHEREAS, elected officials throughout Los Angeles County have expressed concern about recent immigration enforcement actions in their local jurisdictions by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (“ICE”) and specifically the manner in which these actions have been carried out; and WHEREAS, the activities by ICE in Downey and nearby jurisdictions have disrupted public safety and prompted fear in the local immigrant communities, amidst reports of enforcement activities at homes, schools, places of work, places of worship, and other public areas; and
WHEREAS, there have been reports in the media and elsewhere of aggressive tactics used by ICE agents, including the use of face coverings, plain clothes attire, unmarked vehicles, other identity concealment, and unwarranted force; and WHEREAS, the immigration enforcement actions and presence of large numbers of ICE agents in the region have caused fear, uncertainty, distress, and disruption among many community members; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Downey empathizes with and supports all community members who are feeling fear and uncertainty because of recent enforcement activities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Downey is actively working to identify services, programs, and partnerships to help protect, inform, and assist our most vulnerable residents; and WHEREAS, while the City Council recognizes that the federal government has exclusive jurisdiction over the enforcement of immigration law, and that the City may not either assist or interfere with immigration enforcement activities, the City Council wishes to do everything within its authority to ensure that ICE activities are carried out in accordance with applicable law; and
WHEREAS, the Downey Police Department does not participate in or assist with immigration enforcement activities by ICE; and
WHEREAS, based on earlier indications by federal authorities, the expectation by local jurisdictions was that recent enforcement efforts would primarily target criminals and violent offenders and while this has occurred, there are also reports of uneven enforcement and detention and arrest of individuals without criminal records or who are lawfully present in the United States; and
ATTACHMENT A
Resolution No. 25-___
WHEREAS, the City Council acknowledges the uncertainty, anxiety, and fear expressed by many members of the community in response to the increased ICE activity, and recognizes its responsibility to speak out against practices that undermine the well-being and cohesion of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council hereby finds and determines that the above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein.
SECTION 2. The City Council calls upon its federal elected representatives to demand that ICE and all other immigration enforcement officers conduct enforcement operations with all appropriate due process and specifically refrain from the use of masks, plain clothes attire, other identity concealment, unmarked vehicles, and unnecessary force, where these tactics are not warranted.
SECTION 3. The City Council calls upon its federal elected representatives to demand that ICE agents target only individuals who are in violation of federal immigration law and have a criminal history.
SECTION 4. City staff is hereby directed to maintain and update the “Know Your Rights” webpage on the City’s website that provides links to immigration resources and includes frequently asked questions and answers regarding immigration enforcement activities.
SECTION 5. The City Council reminds the community that the City and its Police Department have no jurisdiction over the enforcement of federal immigration law and that federal authorities have repeatedly admonished localities not to take any steps that would result in interference with or obstruction of ICE enforcement operations.
SECTION 6. The City Council calls upon all nonprofit organizations, community service organizations, faith-based organizations, and business within the City of Downey to work together to contribute time, resources, and financial support to assist individuals and families impacted by the recent ICE activities.
SECTION 7. The City Council affirms Downey’s commitment to public safety and inclusivity for all residents and calls upon all law enforcement agencies operating within the City to respect the civil rights of every individual.
SECTION 8. The City commits to working collaboratively to explore, fund, and implement programs and partnerships that support the health, safety, and well-being of all community members, particularly those most at risk due to federal immigration enforcement actions.
SECTION 9. City staff is hereby directed to send a copy of this Resolution to all elected members of Congress whose jurisdiction includes any part of the City of
Resolution No. 25-___
Downey.
SECTION 10. If any section, subsection, clause or phrase in this Resolution or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is for any reason held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this Resolution or the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this Resolution and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases or the application thereof to any person or circumstance be held invalid
SECTION 11. This Resolution shall become effective upon its adoption.
SECTION 12. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this ____ day of ______, 2025.
_________________________
HECTOR SOSA
Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________
JOHN M. FUNK
City Attorney
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was adopted by the City Council of the City of Downey at a Regular meeting held on the ____ day of ____, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members:
NOES: Council Members:
ABSENT: Council Members:
Resolution No. 25-___
ABSTAIN: Council Members:
_____________________________
MARIA ALICIA DUARTE, CMC
City Clerk
1 Introduced by:______________
ORDINANCE NO.__________________
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF [__________] AMENDING [______________] OF THE [CITY OF ___________] MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO REQUIRING ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS OPERATING IN THE CITY OF [_______] TO WEAR
CLEARLY VISIBLE IDENTIFICATION AND PROHIBIT FACE COVERINGS
OBSTRUCTING IDENTITY DURING PUBLIC INTERACTION
WHEREAS, the federal government, through the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has launched broad immigration enforcement efforts, deploying personnel from various federal agencies, including those within the Department of Justice, as part of the Trump Administration's immigration enforcement operations; and
WHEREAS, ICE officers have conducted operations while wearing face coverings, including gaiter and ski masks; and
WHEREAS, several news outlets have reported incidents of individuals impersonating ICE officers to harass or detain others, which undermines public trust in law enforcement, especially among vulnerable individuals, and poses a threat to public safety; and
WHEREAS, Charges filed against individuals include kidnapping and impersonating a police officer after allegedly detaining a group of Latino men, impersonating an ICE officer on a university campus, and impersonating an ICE officer in connection with the sexual assault of a woman while threatening her with deportation; and
WHEREAS, State and local jurisdictions bear primary responsibility for ensuring the safety and well-being of their communities; and
WHEREAS, in exercising their sovereign duty to promote public safety, State and local governments have adopted local laws and policies reflecting careful judgment of what policies and practices best serve their communities; and
WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court has long emphasized that local control over health and safety of residents ensures that matters, concerning the lives, liberties and properties of the people are determined by governments more local and more accountable than distant federal bureaucracy; and
WHEREAS, enshrined in the Constitution and a core part of American democracy respects the police power of the States and local governments; and
WHEREAS, local governments and officials have wide discretion in determining their own policy for the safety, peace and good order of their own people; and
ATTACHMENT B
2 WHEREA, the California Constitution provides that cities possess the power to enforce all local police, sanitary and ordinances and regulations not in conflict with general laws; and
WHEREAS, State law restricts peace officers from detaining, for suspected immigration violations, victim of or witnesses to hate crimes who were not themselves charged with a state criminal offense; and
WHEREAS, the California Legislature limited the circumstances under which local law enforcement official could detain individuals at the request of federal immigration authorities; and
WHEREAS, the California Legislature adopted the California Values Act generally prohibiting State and local law enforcement agencies from using public funds or personnel to investigate, interrogate, detain, or arrest persons for immigration enforcement purposes; and
WHEREAS, the California Immigrant Worker Protection Act, prohibits employers or anyone acting on behalf of an employer from giving voluntary consent to immigration enforcement agents to enter or search nonpublic areas of the workplace, or from accessing, reviewing or seizing employee personnel records without a warrant; and
WHEREAS, transparency and accountability in law enforcement are essential to maintaining public trust and effective community policing; and
WHEREAS, the ability of the public to identify law enforcement officers during interactions promotes accountability and strengthens police-community relations; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of [___________] finds that prohibiting law enforcement officers from wearing masks or personal disguises while interacting with the public, with limited exceptions, will enhance transparency and accountability; and
WHEREAS, the federal government has constitutional authority to regulate immigration; and
WHEREAS, the United States Constitution contains limits on the federal governments excise of this authority; and
WHEREAS, bounty hunters are not authorized federal agents; and
WHEREAS, ICE is not allowed to enter nonpublic places absent, (1) exigent circumstances, (2) consent, or (3) a judicial warrant (i.e., not an administrative warrant); and
WHEREAS, This Ordinance is not intended to obstruct, hinder, or interfere with the legitimate exercise of federal immigration enforcement authority, but rather to enhance transparency, accountability, and public safety within the City's jurisdiction.
3 NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF [______________] DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section [______]to the [_______] Municipal Code is hereby created as follows:
SECTION 1. Definitions. For the purpose of this Ordinance, the following definitions shall apply:
A. "Law enforcement officer" means any officer of a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency, or any person acting on behalf of a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency, who is authorized to enforce laws within the City of [______], including but not limited to the ICE, United States Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”), Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), or any other federal agency with law enforcement authority.
B. "Face Covering" means any item worn to conceal or obscure an officer's facial features or identity, including but not limited to balaclavas, ski masks, face coverings, scarf, bandana, or other similar items cover the nose and mouth of the wearer in a manner that obscures the wearer’s identity.
C. "Interacting with the public" means any direct communication or engagement between a law enforcement officer and a member of the public in the course of the officer's official duties, whether in person, during traffic stops, while responding to calls for service, or during community policing activities.
SECTION 2. Federal Authority Recognition and Preemption Avoidance.
A. The City of [______] acknowledges and respects the authority of the federal government to enforce federal immigration laws within the United States, including within the City's jurisdiction.
B. Nothing in this Ordinance shall be construed to prohibit, restrict, or interfere with the proper exercise of federal immigration enforcement authority in accordance with federal law.
C. This Ordinance is intended to operate within the City's legitimate police powers to protect public safety, prevent fraud and impersonation, and ensure transparency in law enforcement operations within its jurisdiction.
SECTION 3. Restrictions on Personal Disguises for Law Enforcement Officers.
A. Prohibition. A law enforcement officer shall not wear any mask or personal disguise while interacting with the public in the performance of their duties, except for:
1. Medical grade masks, defined as surgical masks or N95 respirators that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and are designed to prevent the transmission of airborne diseases; and
2. Masks designed to protect against exposure to smoke, ash, or other airborne particulates during a state of emergency related to wildfires, as declared by the Mayor, City Council, or Governor.
4 SECTION 4. Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team Exception.
A. It is the intent of the [________] City Council to ensure that Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team officers, defined as law enforcement officers specially trained and equipped to respond to high-risk situations that require specialized tactics and equipment beyond the capabilities of regular patrol officers, can utilize gear necessary to protect their faces from physical harm while they perform their SWAT responsibilities.
B. The Chief of Police shall develop and implement regulations, subject to approval by the City Council, that specify the circumstances under which SWAT team officers may wear protective face coverings during tactical operations, provided that such regulations include requirements for officer identification through other visible means.
SECTION 5. Identification Requirements.
A. It is the intent of the City Council to require law enforcement officers to include their name or badge number on their uniforms.
B. All law enforcement officers operating within the City of [______] shall wear a clearly visible and prominently displayed badge or other form of official identification that includes the officer's name, agency affiliation, and badge or identification number.
C. Upon request, provide their full name, agency affiliation, and badge or identification number to any individual subject to an immigration enforcement action.
D. Present official credentials identifying themselves as federal officers authorized to conduct immigration enforcement operations when initiating contact with any individual.
SECTION 6. Impersonation Prevention, Investigation, and Reporting.
A. The City of [__________] Police Department shall:
1. Establish a specialized unit or designate officers specifically trained to investigate reported incidents of individuals impersonating law enforcement officers, including but not limited to ICE and FBI agents, within the City.
2. Develop and implement protocols for responding to and investigating such reports, including:
ii. Procedures for gathering and preserving evidence;
iii. Methods for verifying the authenticity of purported federal credentials; iv. Coordination with federal agencies to confirm the identity and authority of individuals claiming to be federal officers; and
v. Techniques for interviewing victims and witnesses of impersonation incidents.
B. Conduct regular training for all police personnel on recognizing and responding to potential impersonation incidents.
5 C. Establish an expedited response protocol for reports of impersonation in progress.
D. Maintain detailed records of all reported impersonation incidents, including the nature of the incident, actions taken, and resolution.
E. Report any confirmed incidents of impersonation to:
1. The relevant federal law enforcement agency;
2. The Federal Bureau of Investigation;
3. The United States Attorney's Office;
4. The California Attorney General's Office; and
5. The public, through appropriate channels, while protecting victim privacy and ongoing investigations.
SECTION 7. Enforcement Authority and Mechanisms.
A. The [_________] Police Department is hereby authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this section.
B. Individuals found to be impersonating Federal Law Enforcement Personnel shall be subject to:
1. Criminal prosecution under applicable state and local laws, including but not limited to:
i. California Penal Code Section 146a (impersonating a peace officer);
ii. California Penal Code Section 538d (unauthorized wearing of law enforcement uniform);
iii. California Penal Code Section 532 (false pretenses); and iv. Any other applicable criminal statutes.
C. Enhanced penalties as provided under California law when impersonation is committed in connection with other criminal offenses.
D. Civil liability for damages caused to victims of impersonation.
E. Public notification of conviction, consistent with privacy laws and ongoing law enforcement operations.
F. The City Manager and City Attorney are authorized to take all necessary and appropriate actions to enforce the provisions of this Ordinance, including but not limited to:
1. Seeking injunctive relief in a court of competent jurisdiction;
2. Coordinating with federal agency leadership to address patterns of non- compliance;
3. Implementing administrative measures to ensure compliance with verification procedures; and
4. Developing additional enforcement mechanisms as necessary to fulfill the purposes of this Ordinance.
6 SECTION 8. Severability.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council of the City of [_______] hereby declares that it would have passed this Ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, and portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions may be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 9. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this ordinance and shall cause the same to be published according to law.