DATE:
September 15, 2026
TO:
Mayor and Council Members
FROM:
Rachel Molina, City Manager
BY:
Melinda Sayre, Deputy City Manager/City Clerk
Tammy Pelayes, Assistant to the City Manager
SUBJECT:
Consideration of Resolution No. 2016-05
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the City Council consider Resolution No. 2016-05 and the request to rescind the resolution by Council Member Ochoa, which opposes the relocation of refugees from the United States Refugee Resettlement Program to the City of Hesperia.
BACKGROUND
On August 18, 2026, City Council Member Ochoa requested that this item be placed on the agenda for the City Council to consider the renunciation and rescinding of Resolution No. 2016-05.
On February 16, 2016, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2016-05, expressing the City’s opposition to the relocation of refugees from the United States Refugee Resettlement Program in Hesperia.
The resolution was adopted over concerns the then City Council had for the safety of Hesperia residents after terrorist attacks in 2015, as well as the City’s inability to provide services for refugees, such as living arrangements, medical care, public safety and education, despite the federal government’s funding of the resettlement program.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
Refugee resettlement is primarily administered through the federal system and implemented through authorized resettlement organizations to include the Department of State, Homeland Security and Health and Human Services. Depending on the circumstances, local governments may interact with resettlement efforts through existing municipal functions and services, including public safety, housing-related matters, public health, transportation, and other community services. The extent of any such local involvement may vary depending on the nature and scale of resettlement activity.
Rescinding Resolution No. 2016-05 would remove the City Council’s prior formal expression of opposition to refugee resettlement. Rescinding, by itself, would not establish a refugee resettlement program, authorize expenditures, require the City to provide additional services, or commit the City to participate in a particular resettlement effort. Any future City action requiring Council approval or the use of City resources would remain subject to applicable laws and policy considerations. Ultimately, resolutions of this type are often symbolic in nature, as municipal governments do not have jurisdiction over federal matters.
CITY GOAL SUPPORTED BY THIS ITEM
Public Safety – Ensure public safety resources adequately protect our community.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with approval of the recommended action.
ALTERNATIVE(S)
Provide alternative direction to staff.
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Resolution No. 2016-05
City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
Staff Report to the Mayor and Council Members
Recission of Resolution No. 2016-005
September 15, 2026