WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL TAKES ADDITIONAL ACTION TO SUPPORT RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT
Whittier, CA — On August 12, 2025, the Whittier City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-38, outlining a series of local actions to support families, workers, and businesses impacted by ongoing federal immigration enforcement activity.
The resolution affirms the City’s existing policies prohibiting the Whittier Police Department from engaging in immigration enforcement, consistent with California law, and introduces several new directives, including:
- Allocating $130,000 in emergency support for two local nonprofits—Hispanic Outreach Taskforce and Interfaith Food Center—assisting families affected by enforcement;
- Providing $50,000 to community organizations and legal aid groups assisting with immigration-related applications;
- Distributing “Know Your Rights” resources in English and Spanish across all City facilities and online;
- Supporting local businesses impacted by reduced activity due to immigration operations;
- Calling on state legislators to make impersonating a law enforcement officer, including immigration agents, a felony offense;
- Advocating for free legal representation and education for undocumented immigrants;
- Urging Congress to adopt bipartisan immigration reform and expedite the citizenship application process;
- Requesting monthly updates from federal representatives on enforcement actions and committing to monthly implementation updates at City Council meetings.
Council Members emphasized the importance of taking local action to support affected residents:
“Meaningful immigration reform must come from Congress. This resolution reflects Council’s commitment to addressing the local impacts we’re seeing here in Whittier.”— Mayor Joe Vinatieri
"Members of my family have navigated the path to citizenship, and together we’ve spent years helping neighbors prepare for the process, including support with applications and English language skills. This resolution is a step toward making that possible for more Whittier residents.”— Mayor Pro Tem Octavio Martinez
“As an immigrant myself, I understand how this enforcement has affected many in our community, both families and businesses. It’s our responsibility to support those facing the greatest challenges.”— Councilmember Fernando Dutra
“I’m committed to working with my Council colleagues to ensure the implementation of this resolution is transparent, effective, and centered on the needs of our community.”— Councilmember Mary Ann Pacheco
“Through my own experience mentoring a young person navigating the immigration system, I’ve seen how complex and discouraging the process can be. That’s why I am supporting the steps we’re taking as a Council to help families in our own community.”— Councilmember Cathy Warner
Find the full resolution and helpful resources, including “Know Your Rights” materials at:
www.cityofwhittier.org/services/programs/immigration-rights-community-resources
CONTACT: City of Whittier
admin@cityofwhittier.org
562-567-9301
