May 26, 2026
Union City Mayor and City Council
34009 Alvarado-Niles Road
Union City, CA 94587
Dear Mayor and Council,
I was disappointed to learn that the City Council did not act on an ordinance to protect our immigrant communities. Every day, our shared constituents live in fear of the actions of our federal administration. In Assembly District 20, immigration enforcement agents have attempted to access schools-and have succeeded at deporting children.
There is a difference between an ordinance and a resolution. A resolution is simply an expression of values. But statements of values without action do little to protect our neighbors. An ordinance is a local law and carries legal weight.
Over 46% of Union City residents are immigrants. Every Union City resident deserves dignity and safety from the City Council. Other jurisdictions who have enacted ordinances that prohibit federal immigration agencies from using city/county-owned or controlled property for enforcement operations include: San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Richmond, Santa Clara, Pinole and more.
I urge the City Council to reconsider and pass an ICE-free zones ordinance.
Sincerely,
Liz Ortega
California State Assembly, District 20