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RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RIVERSIDE AFFIRMING THE IMPORTANCE OF TRANSPARENCY,
COMMUNITY SAFETY, PUBLIC SAFETY, AND CLEAR
IDENTIFICATION STANDARDS IN FEDERAL IMMIGRATION
ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES IN THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE.
WHEREAS the Preamble to the Riverside City Charter states: “We, the people of the City of Riverside believe in promoting an inclusive community with shared economic, environmental and cultural prosperity, equal civil and political rights, social harmony and cohesion, and opportunities for all”; and
WHEREAS, the City of Riverside’s Inclusive Community Statement reads; A city of considerable racial, ethnic, religious, and other types of diversity, Riverside has etched a complex history. That history has included both significant efforts to achieve greater justice, equality, and understanding, as well as unfortunate periods and events that have demonstrated the need for increased commitment, ideas, and action to work toward these goals; and WHEREAS, the City of Riverside (“City”) has a longstanding commitment in advocating compassion, peace, social harmony, safety, and fostering a mutual respect and understanding for all people, regardless of religion, race or nationality; and WHEREAS, the City is home to a diverse population that include immigrants, first-generation Americans, foreign-born residents, refugees, and individuals of various immigration statuses who collectively and individually contribute to the City’s values of diversity, economic viability, and community spirit; and
WHEREAS, according to the 2023 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, over 54% of the City’s population identifies as Latino, Latinx, or Hispanic, one of the highest percentages in the Inland Empire, and 22.5% of the City’s population is foreign-born; and WHEREAS, immigrants in the City contribute significantly to the City’s economy, workforce, and culture, holding nearly 28% of jobs across key sectors including agriculture, logistics, healthcare, and education; and
Attachment 1 - HRC Recommendation
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28 CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
3750 UNIVERSITY AVENUE,
SUITE 250
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
(951) 826-5567
WHEREAS, local policies that foster trust between immigrant communities and city services enhance public safety, reduce fear, and promote access to health care, education, emergency assistance, open spaces, community spaces, recreational, city services; and WHEREAS, the City values public trust, accountability, and open communication between all law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve; and WHEREAS, recent federal immigration enforcement operations in various Wards have raised concerns among community members when conducted by California Border Patrol (CBP) and Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents using unmarked vehicles, plainclothes attire, often with their faces covered or masked, and without clearly visible identification; and WHEREAS, numerous reports and video evidence show that even U.S. citizens and immigrants with lawful status have been mistakenly detained, questioned, or targeted, exacerbating distrust and public safety risks; and
WHEREAS, confusion regarding the identity and authority of enforcement personnel can create unnecessary fear and trauma, reduce public trust in law enforcement, reduce safety for the public and local law enforcement, potentially hinder lawful oversight, and raise concerns about the risk of non-law enforcement individuals engaging in or being perceived as engaging in unauthorized enforcement or vigilantism; and
WHEREAS, the California Values Act (SB 54), outlines limits on the use of local resources in federal immigration enforcement while allowing cities to take proactive measures to ensure transparency and protect civil rights; and
WHEREAS, the City affirms its responsibility to document and verify federal enforcement activity occurring within its jurisdiction and, where legally appropriate, take proactive steps to safeguard against potential overreach or actions that may compromise the civil rights of residents.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Riverside, California, as follows:
Section 1. Affirmation of Commitment to All Riverside Residents: the City reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that all residents—regardless of immigration status—can access city services, participate in civic life, and feel safe in their communities without fear of discrimination.
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28 CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
3750 UNIVERSITY AVENUE,
SUITE 250
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
(951) 826-5567
Section 2. Affirmation of Transparency and Public Safety: the City affirms that clear identification of immigration enforcement personnel, especially during sensitive enforcement operations, is essential to maintaining public trust and safety and condemns the use of unmarked vehicles, masked or plainclothes agents, and other nontransparent tactics.
Section 3. Continued Implementation of SB54: the City reaffirms its commitment to the implementation of the California Values Act (SB54) as required by law and embraces the spirit undergirding the law that there needs to be a bright line between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement.
Section 4. Encouragement of Coordination and Identification: the City urges all federal immigration enforcement personnel operating within Riverside limits to use clearly marked vehicles, wear visible agency identification, and follow transparent protocols that allow residents and local officials to verify their authority.
Section 5. Local Monitoring Within Legal Boundaries: the City calls on the Riverside Police Department to report and advise of any suspected federal enforcement activity in the City and, when legally permissible, confirm the identity of immigration enforcement personnel conducting enforcement operations within the City, and to document such interactions by confirming their full name, badge number, and agency.
Section 6. Data Privacy: the City will ensure to not disclose any information regarding an individual’s immigration status on any City databases or registries. Furthermore, the City affirms to not share any information obtained through the City’s license plate reader systems and cameras with a federal agency, unless a legal warrant is provided regarding a specific criminal case or investigation.
Section 7. Safeguarding Civil Rights through Documentation: The City directs the City Manager’s office and City Attorney’s office to the best of their ability to actively document and report any federal immigration enforcement activity that raises concerns about civil rights violations, racial profiling, excessive use of force or lack of transparency. All such incidents should be referred to the respective appropriate oversight bodies, legal authorities, or civil rights organizations for review and action. In carrying out this work, the City will collaborate with trusted and reputable community-based
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28 CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
3750 UNIVERSITY AVENUE,
SUITE 250
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
(951) 826-5567
partners to support comprehensive documentation, incorporate community feedback, and ensure meaningful follow-up on all reported incidents.
Section 8. Commitment of Core Values for all Residents: the City reaffirms its commitment to due process, equal protection, and the rights of all individuals within its jurisdiction. Riverside will continue to uphold its values as a safe, inclusive, and law-abiding community where government transparency and public safety remain paramount.
Section 9. Public Awareness and Education Campaign: the City Council directs the City Manager to work with city staff to roll out a public education campaign that provides access to Know Your Rights cards/information and links to helpful organizations and services available to the general public on the city website, social media pages, and community centers and directs the City Manager to explore and return to City Council in October 2025, with possible other avenues to educate residents such as hosting workshops, inserts in the Riverside Public utility bills, and printed materials, etc.
Section 10. Exploration of Legal and Legislative Remedies: The City directs the City Attorney and City Manager to actively monitor federal enforcement activities and explore available legal or legislative avenues to respond and challenge any practices that undermine the City’s values or violate the rights of its residents as provided by local, state and federal law as well as the U.S. Constitution.
Section 11. Exploration of Legal Aid Funding: The City Council directs staff to explore establishing a Legal Justice fund in partnership with trusted and reputable non-profit immigrants’ rights groups, civil rights, and or legal aid organizations. The Council may consider matching to $50,000 if the agreed upon partner organization(s) can raise $50,000 to match the contribution, for a total of $100,000 allocated to serve Riverside residents and families seeking legal aid and support.
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28 CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
3750 UNIVERSITY AVENUE,
SUITE 250
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
(951) 826-5567
The City Clerk shall attest and certify to the passage and adoption of this resolution, and it shall become effective immediately upon its approval.
ADOPTED by the City Council this _____ day of ___________________, 2025.
_____________________________________ PATRICIA LOCK DAWSON Mayor of the City of Riverside Attest:
_____________________________ DONESIA GAUSE City Clerk of the City of Riverside / / / / I, Donesia Gause, City Clerk of the City of Riverside, California, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly and regularly adopted at a meeting of the City Council of the City of Riverside, at its meeting held on the ______ day of _________________, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:
Ayes: Noes: Absent: Abstain:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Riverside, California, this ________ day of ______________, 2025.
__________________________________ DONESIA GAUSE
City Clerk of the City of Riverside