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CC- ACTION ITEM: Discussion and, if Desired, Adoption of a Resolution Condemning Aggressive and Non-Transparent Federal Immigration Enforcement Tactics, Reaffirming Commitment to Constitutional and Community Safety Principles, and Directing Proactive Local Response Measures.
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Meeting Date: June 30, 2025
Contact Person/Dept.: John Nachbar/City Manager
Chief Jason Sims/Police Department
Phone Number: 310-253-6100
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (06/29/2025)
Department Approval: John Nachbar, City Manager (06/29/2025); Jason Sims, Police Chief (06/29/2025) _____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council discuss and, if desired, adopt a Resolution condemning aggressive and non-transparent federal immigration enforcement tactics, reaffirming commitment to constitutional and community safety principles, and directing proactive local response measures.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Mayor Dan O’Brien called a special meeting to discuss a potential Resolution condemning aggressive and non-transparent federal immigration enforcement tactics, reaffirming commitment to constitutional and community safety principles, and directing proactive local response measures, based on a recent incident that occurred in the City of Huntington Park.
The City of Huntington Park reported the arrest of an individual possibly impersonating a federal agent operating in the city without proper identification or oversight. Huntington Park Police Chief Cosme Lozano stated: “This arrest raises serious concerns about public safety, organized criminal activity, and the urgent need for all enforcement personnel operating in our community to properly identify themselves.” Huntington Park Mayor Flores stated: “This isn’t just about one arrest-it’s about a pattern of encounters with individuals claiming to be federal agents who refuse to show identification, drive unmarked vehicles, and blur the line between law and intimidation.” (See Attachment 1 for full Huntington Park Press Release.)
In response to the incident, the Huntington Park City Council passed a resolution last week directing the Huntington Park Police Department to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a federal immigration agent operating in the city (Attachment 2).
The attached draft Culver City Resolution (Attachment 3) is based on the Huntington Park resolution and is presented to the City Council for discussion and, if desired, adoption.
Culver City’s Current Response to Federal Immigration Enforcement Tactics
In order to ensure everyone in Culver City feels safe, the City is currently taking the following actions to uphold our commitment to being a welcoming city for immigrants:
• The City is providing City staff with procedures to protect children and other community members at summer camps, The Plunge, parks, buses, City Hall and other City facilities-including “Know Your Rights”.
• Anyone who feels unsafe from individuals who are not readily identifiable as federal agents should call 9-1-1. Culver City Police will rapidly respond to ensure public safety. The Culver City Police Department does not engage in immigration enforcement and cannot interfere with or obstruct federal enforcement actions.
• The City provides resources on its webpage, and printed resources will be available at City Facilities, including “Know Your Rights”.
• All resources and communications will be provided in Spanish and English.
• The Culver City Police Department abides by California State Legislation, City of Culver City Resolution No. 2017-R025, and Department Policies that strictly prohibit cooperation in federal immigration enforcement activities.
• The Culver City Police Department has robust, clear, and concise guidelines and policies related to Automated License Plate Reader data. The Department aligns with California State Legislation and Department Policy regarding the usage and sharing of this data and strictly enforces restrictions on the usage or sharing with federal immigration enforcement.
• The City will connect volunteer groups with food banks to facilitate assistance to those community members in need at this time.
• The City will advocate to its Federal elected officials to do more to protect our community.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no fiscal impact associated with the discussion and adoption of the draft Resolution.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2025-06-30_ATT1_Huntington Park Police Department Press Release
2. 2025-06-30_ATT 2_Huntington Park Resolution
3. 2025-06-30_ATT 3_Draft Culver City Resolution
MOTION(S)
That the City Council:
1. (If desired) Adopt a Resolution condemning aggressive and non-transparent federal immigration enforcement tactics, reaffirming commitment to constitutional and community safety principles, and directing proactive local response measures; and
2. Provide other direction as deemed appropriate.