Community members come together to discuss immigration rights in San Diego, following the mayor's new executive order.
Mayor Todd Gloria of San Diego has signed an executive order to improve transparency in immigration enforcement. The order aims to protect immigrant communities by establishing a comprehensive response team within the San Diego Police Department, ensuring accountability and providing resources about immigration rights. This initiative also prohibits the sharing of certain data with federal agencies, and addresses community concerns regarding local law enforcement’s involvement in immigration actions.
San Diego – Mayor Todd Gloria has signed an executive order aimed at enhancing transparency in immigration enforcement actions in the city. This move responds to rising concerns within mixed-status and immigrant communities amid increased federal immigration activities. The order is designed to improve communication about immigration rights and enforcement, emphasizing the need for vigilance against what the mayor characterized as “cruel, excessive, and aggressive tactics” from the federal administration.
The executive order establishes a comprehensive response team, spearheaded by the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) in cooperation with the mayor’s office and various city departments. This specialized team will develop a joint safety plan to address situations where federal enforcement agents may disrupt sensitive sites or public facilities.
In addition to establishing the response team, the executive order reaffirms California’s state law that prohibits sharing specific data, including that obtained from automated license plate readers, with federal immigration agencies. To ensure accountability, the SDPD will appoint a liaison to the mayor’s office tasked with reporting incidents where SDPD officers respond to situations involving federal immigration enforcement.
Community members have voiced apprehension regarding the potential role of SDPD officers during immigration raids, with fears that they may support federal agents rather than prioritize public safety. Addressing these concerns, a representative from the SDPD affirmed that the police do not enforce immigration law and do not question individuals regarding their immigration status. The department is committed to ensuring that all community members feel safe reporting crimes or seeking assistance.
The executive order also incorporates educational initiatives aimed at providing “Know Your Rights” materials available in multiple languages. These resources will be accessible through the city’s website, community centers, and libraries, facilitating an informed populace on their legal rights.
However, the executive order has met with some opposition. El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells has criticized the measure, asserting that his city advocates for federal immigration enforcement in alignment with federal laws rather than state stipulations.
Moreover, the order seeks to clarify the identification requirements for federal enforcement officers, further enhancing transparency surrounding their actions. As part of the new protocol, the SDPD is required to document and report on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations conducted in San Diego, encompassing details such as locations, dates, arrests, and the conduct of agents involved.
In an effort to maintain law and order, the SDPD will also need to inform the mayor’s office whenever officers assist with immigration enforcement actions. This requirement is intended to promote transparency and accountability among law enforcement personnel and federal agents.
The backdrop for this executive order includes heightened anxiety within immigrant communities, particularly following incidents such as a recent ICE raid at a popular local restaurant, which garnered significant attention and concern from residents. Mayor Gloria emphasized that local law enforcement’s primary focus is public safety and not the enforcement of immigration laws.
The full details of this executive order will be accessible to the public on the city’s official website, promoting transparency and community awareness about the actions being taken to protect immigrant rights and public safety.
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