RESOLUTION NO. 4886-2025
RESOLUTION OF THE FORT BRAGG CITY COUNCIL AFFIRMING COMMITMENT TO
NON-DISCRIMINATION AND SUPPORT FOR IMMIGRANTS IN OUR COMMUNITY WHEREAS, the diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences of the American people-both native born and immigrants-makes our nation and communities richer and stronger; and
WHEREAS, the City of Fort Bragg has a strong tradition of embracing and welcoming individuals of diverse racial, ethnic, religious, and national backgrounds, including a large immigrant population; and
WHEREAS, fostering a relationship of trust, respect, and open communication between City officials and residents is essential to the City's mission of delivering effective public services; and
WHEREAS, many local immigrants have concerns about their safety and security; and WHEREAS, it is the City Council's desire to ensure that its immigrant residents participate in civic life and daily activities without fear of being arrested or reported to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency; and WHEREAS, this resolution is intended to alleviate and respond to concerns and fears in the Fort Bragg community relating to possible changes in federal immigration policy; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Fort Bragg does hereby resolve and declare that:
1. The City of Fort Bragg works to ensure the equal protection and treatment of all persons without discrimination on the basis of factors including but not limited to: citizenship status, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, familial status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, physical and intellectual abilities, religion, religious observance, political orientation, economic status, or other social status; and
2. The City of Fort Bragg has strong protections for non-discrimination in its interactions with all community members and these protections are enshrined in City practices, policies, ordinances, and resolutions, as well as in State law; and
3. The Fort Bragg Police Department's mission is to protect the safety of all members of our community, regardless of any of the aforementioned factors, including immigration status; and
4. The Fort Bragg Police Department understands that it relies upon community members to report crimes and speak to the police without fear of being arrested or reported to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and therefore the Department works to foster trust and cooperation with Fort Bragg's immigrant community; and
5. The Fort Bragg Police Department has a long-established policy of never asking about a person's citizenship or immigration status when someone requests assistance, is stopped on the street, or is interviewed by a representative of the Department; and - 1 -
6. The Fort Bragg Police Department has a long-established policy of not participating or aiding in immigration raids, sweeps, or detentions of people solely to determine their immigration status; and
7. The Fort Bragg City Council affirms its commitment to helping our town continue to thrive as a culturally diverse community where all are welcome; where all respect the life and dignity of every human being without discrimination or prejudice; and where community interactions are built upon respect and compassion for others.
The above and foregoing Resolution was introduced by Vice Mayor Rafanan, seconded by Councilmember Albin-Smith, and passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Fort Bragg held on the 13th day of January 2025, by the following vote:
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Amber Lenore Weaver,
Acting City Clerk
AYES: Councilmembers Albin-Smith, Peters, Vice Mayor Rafanan, and Mayor Godeke.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Hockett.
ABSTAIN: None.
RECUSED: None.
ATTEST:
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______________________________
Jason Godeke
Mayor