City Manager’s Office
www.santa-ana.org/cm
Item # 27
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
July 1, 2025
TOPIC: Call to Action Regarding ICE Immigration Enforcement
AGENDA TITLE
Resolution Making a Call to Action Regarding ICE Immigration Enforcement
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt a resolution calling on all federal elected representatives to advocate for the removal of ICE, military, and federal enforcement personnel from Santa Ana, support residents impacted by immigration raids, and reaffirm the City’s commitment to SB 54, the California Values Act, and its Sanctuary City policies.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XXX entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SANTA ANA MAKING A CALL TO ACTION TO ALL OF ITS FEDERAL
ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS TO ADVOCATE ON BEHALF OF
IMMIGRANTS WHO RESIDE AND WORK IN THE CITY OF SANTA ANA, TO
REMOVE ICE, MILITARY AND OTHER FEDERAL ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL
FROM THE CITY OF SANTA ANA, CALL FOR SUPPORT TO THOSE IMPACTED BY
IMMIGRATION RAIDS AND CITY ACTIONS AND COMMITMENTS
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No
DISCUSSION
As observed in recent ICE immigration raids, the aggressive tactics used by federal immigration agents have heightened tensions in the community, are damaging trust in law enforcement, and are eroding the critical relationship between our residents and the Santa Ana Police Department, and when families are too afraid to report crimes or engage with local authorities, the community is less safe.
As a result of the recent ICE immigration raids, there have been noticeable negative economic and social impacts to the community, as fewer people are frequenting commercial and retail establishments, such as local restaurants, grocery stores, medical facilities, places of public accommodation, and entertainment venues, for fear of being targeted by ICE.
Call to Action Regarding ICE Immigration Enforcement
July 1, 2025
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At the City Council meeting held on June 17, 2025, hundreds of community members attended and provided over five hours of public comment. The overwhelming message was a clear call for the City to take action in support of immigrant families and residents experiencing fear and instability as a result of ongoing federal operations.
While the City Council and staff do not have the direct legal authority to force ICE or other federal military or civilian personnel to leave the City, staff presents this Resolution to allow the City Council to call upon all of its federal elected representatives in Congress to advocate on behalf of the people of Santa Ana and others who have been impacted by this issue.
Staff had previously been directed to review and consider a policy concerning ICE notifications. After both 1) receiving a letter from the United States Attorney’s Office stating that individuals involved in disclosing ICE information in accordance with such a policy could face possible federal criminal enforcement, and 2) seeing other officials throughout the country face detainment, arrest, or indictment, the City Council held a closed session meeting. In light of continued public concern, the proposed Resolution is presented as a means for the Council to reaffirm its support for the community and pursue action within the limits of its legal authority.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The consideration and approval of the Resolution is not subject to CEQA (“Public Resources Code section 21000 et seq.) because it does not qualify as a “project” under CEQA. The State CEQA Guidelines provide that “[a]n activity is not subject to CEQA if the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378.” (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15060(c).)
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Resolution
Submitted By: Sylvia Vazquez, Deputy City Manager
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager