GARDEN GROVE CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. ___-25
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GARDEN GROVE
PROMOTING PROTECTION OF DUE PROCESS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES FOR ALL WHEREAS, the City of Garden Grove is home to a diversity of people of different races, cultures, backgrounds, origins, and religions; and WHEREAS, nearly half of Garden Grove residents are immigrants and refugees, and about 17 percent of residents are noncitizens, including legal permanent residents, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients; and WHEREAS, the City of Garden Grove is dedicated to upholding the rights of all its residents, including the right to equal treatment under the law, the right to due process, and the right to liberty; and
WHEREAS, the City of Garden Grove recognizes that the violation of civil liberties of some people threatens such liberties of all people; and WHEREAS, there are numerous reports of uneven immigration enforcement and detention of individuals, including legal permanent residents and U.S. citizens; and WHEREAS, excessive immigration enforcement presence risks eroding trust in government and in local law enforcement and decreases people’s willingness to engage with government, education, health care, faith institutions; and WHEREAS, local economies are negatively impacted by widespread immigration enforcement activity, especially broad workplace raids, due to resulting labor shortages and decreases in business patronage; and
WHEREAS, the City Council acknowledges that while the federal government has primary jurisdiction over enforcement of immigration law and that the City may not interfere with immigration enforcement, the City Council wishes to do everything within its authority to ensure such enforcement is carried out in accordance with applicable law and that residents are supported during times of difficulty; and WHEREAS, the Garden Grove Police Department does not conduct immigration enforcement, in accordance with state and federal law; and WHEREAS, the courts have ruled that the federal government cannot deny funding to nearly three dozen cities and counties based on policies that limit these jurisdictions’ collaboration with federal immigration enforcement agencies; and WHEREAS, the City Council acknowledges the uncertainty, anxiety, and fear expressed by many residents due to increased immigration enforcement activity across Orange County, including in Garden Grove;
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 9409-17, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Garden Grove Promoting Community Harmony and Safety on the 24th day of January, 2017.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GARDEN GROVE DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
1. That the City Council reaffirms its commitment to upholding community safety and denounces discriminatory rhetoric and practices against any person, group, or community, especially that which contributes to or incites violence against residents.
2. That City staff is hereby directed to identify services, programs, and partnerships to inform and aid Garden Grove’s immigrant and refugee residents and to maintain a page on the City's website with links to local immigration resources, including resources offering emergency and crisis support, legal services, workplace and employer guidance, support with contacting federal agencies, know-your-rights and legal education, and school-related support.
3. That City staff is hereby further directed to prepare packets containing information and preparedness resources for any emergency, including information relevant for those impacted by immigration enforcement activity, to be made available to community members and community organizations assisting those in need.
4. That the City Council calls upon all community organizations, faith-based organizations, and businesses in Garden Grove to collaborate to contribute time and resources to assist residents impacted by recent immigration enforcement activities.
5. That the City commits to working collaboratively with community organizations and to engage in intergovernmental discussions to identify opportunities to better support residents impacted by ongoing immigration enforcement activity.
6. That the City Council affirms Garden Grove’s commitment to public safety for all residents and calls upon all law enforcement agencies operating within the City to respect the civil liberties and rights of every individual.
7. That the City Council reminds the community that the City has no legal authority to conduct immigration enforcement.
8. That 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, and the Council hereby declares it would have passed this Resolution and each section, subsection, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that one or more sections, subsections, clauses, or phrases or the application thereof to any person or circumstance be held invalid.
9. This Resolution shall become effective upon its adoption.
10. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution.
Adopted this ___day of _____, 2025.
ATTEST:
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City Clerk
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Mayor