Dear Council and City Staff,
I’m writing in regard to item number 5, ICE enforcement.
While I firmly support immigrants and believe that California’s economy from Silicon Valley to the Central Valley relies on immigrant labor and that our low food prices are also a result of immigrant labor, I recommend that Council aligns our City policies regarding ICE enforcement with the County’s ICE policies.
First and foremost, Sebastopol is a tiny, two square mile area and its policies should mimic those of the County’s so there is a single ICE policy in West County.
Second, out City cannot withstand any additional lawsuits. If our policy is the same as the County, any lawsuits could be defended at the County level, with the County setting the precedent and Sebastopol following any orders that are given to the County.
Third, it will be very difficult for our newly hired Police Chief to be caught between federal, state, county and City enforcement policies. Chief McDonagh has an increased work load with Elderberry Commons and with Analy High School back in session.
At this time, organizing and funding additional trainings for the Sebastopol Police Department seems unnecessary and unwise. Police resources would be better spent working with the high school, working with WCCS and Burbank on Elderberry Commons and tackling shoplifting and theft issues downtown.
Sebastopol Council has a history of making poor, financially irresponsible decisions in their desire to be seen a “good hearted” people. Unfortunately, all this ego based decision making has wrought specific and on-going harm to Sebastopol’s finances and quality of life.
I recommend aligning Sebastopol’s ICE policy with the County’s and minimizing any potential legal conflict for Chief McDonagh and the City of Sebastopol.
Here is some information on the County’s policies:
https://sonomacounty.gov/sonoma-county-board-of-supervisors-pledges-to-safeguard-civilrights-of-immigrants https://static1.squarespace.com/static/542ec317e4b0d41ade8801fb/t/61e077da85c8580f5843 554a/1642100698512/_Immigration_Policy_.pdf
https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7487179&GUID=80A27B99- 03C6-423C-A00B66AC27938E3A#:~:text=When%20the%20Sheriff's%20Office%20cooperates,does%20it%20con duct%20immigration%20sweeps.
As Council has seen over and over again, the County has much more administrative and financial resources. There is no reason why the City of Sebastopol should deviate from County policy on this issue.
Best,
Kate Haug