20250715 - Response to Misplaced Criticism of Recent Council Action Regarding Immigration Enforcement
Whittier, CA — At the end of its regularly-scheduled meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the Whittier City Council was asked to place an ordinance regarding federal immigration enforcement on the agenda for future action, which is a requirement under California’s open meeting laws before the City Council can vote on an item. The draft ordinance appears to mirror similar versions being introduced by an outside group or groups in select cities within Southern California. The Whittier City Council was NOT asked to take action on the ordinance at Tuesday’s meeting, but rather to “agendize the ordinance at the next meeting.” The Council voted to do exactly that, scheduling the ordinance for discussion at the very next meeting, which will be August 12, 2025. In addition, the Council directed staff to analyze every public comment at the July 8th meeting for impacts to the City and to report back at the August 12th meeting.
The explanation at the July 8th meeting was that the City would have an ordinance requiring that anyone claiming to be a federal agent must not wear a mask and must wear some kind of official designation, including their name and the agency they represent. The Whittier City Council believes that all law enforcement should be open and transparent when interacting with the public as does the Whittier Police Department. However, U.S. Government agents are NOT required to adhere to a local government’s regulations, such as Whittier, and cannot be required to do so until Congress acts to require such transparency.
“Any disappointment at the City Council is misplaced – the City did exactly what was requested when the proposed ordinance was brought forward,” stated Mayor Vinatieri, who continued, “We must follow the Brown Act, so to suggest that the City Council refused to take action is a misrepresentation of the request that was made. It misleads the public not only with regard to how local government works but also implies the City has power over the federal government, which it does not. As elected officials, we all must work together for the good of all those who elected us.”
The City Council, on a 4-1 vote, directed staff to return with an analysis and suggested action on the proposals, and concerns expressed in public comments as well as the draft ordinance. This includes suggested programs and resources to address those concerns. This item will be on the August 12, 2025 agenda.
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