Downey considers $100K relief package for families hit by ICE raids

Councilwoman Claudia M. Frometa speaks at the June 24, 2025 city council meeting. (City of Downey photo)

DOWNEY — In response to recent immigration enforcement operations conducted by federal agents in Downey, the City Council on Tuesday will consider a series of actions aimed at supporting affected residents and reinforcing transparency in law enforcement.

According to a staff report prepared by City Manager Roger Bradley, the Council will weigh four measures: appropriating funds to assist impacted families, formally supporting immigration reform, adopting a resolution denouncing certain enforcement tactics, and introducing a local ordinance requiring law enforcement officers to clearly identify themselves during public interactions.

The proposed measures follow several recent ICE operations in the area that city officials say have disrupted public safety and sparked fear within Downey’s immigrant community.

$100,000 in Relief Funding

Mayor Hector Sosa requested that Downey investigate what other area cities were doing in response to the ICE raids. City staff suggested an allocation of $100,000 from its general fund to assist residents affected by the deportations. Under the proposal, $30,000 each would be directed to Community Legal Aid SoCal and Downey First Christian Church’s Food Helps pantry, with the remaining $40,000 reserved for future needs or to bolster the same organizations if demand exceeds resources.

Community Legal Aid SoCal provides legal representation and "Know Your Rights" workshops, while Food Helps offers direct food assistance to local families.

Legislative Support for Immigration Reform

The Council will also consider amending its legislative platform to include official support for comprehensive immigration reform. If adopted, this would authorize the city to send advocacy letters to congressional representatives urging action on legislation that provides a pathway to citizenship and addresses systemic issues in immigration enforcement.

Resolution Condemns Federal Tactics

A resolution drafted at the request of Councilmember Mario Trujillo criticizes ICE for what it describes as "aggressive tactics" during recent operations, including the use of face coverings, unmarked vehicles, and the detention of individuals without criminal records. The resolution calls on federal representatives to ensure that immigration enforcement be conducted with transparency and due process.

While the city acknowledges it has no authority to interfere with federal immigration enforcement, the resolution emphasizes Downey’s commitment to public safety, inclusivity, and civil rights. It also reaffirms that the Downey Police Department does not participate in ICE enforcement activities.

Face Covering Ordinance Proposed

Also on the agenda is a proposed ordinance that would prohibit law enforcement officers operating in Downey—including federal agents—from wearing face coverings or disguises that obscure their identity during public interactions, with exceptions for medical or safety reasons. The ordinance would also require officers to display identification and provide their name, badge number, and agency upon request.

If adopted, Downey would join a growing number of cities seeking to enhance accountability and prevent impersonation of federal agents—an issue that has garnered increasing attention statewide.

The City Council meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, at Downey City Hall. Members of the public are encouraged to attend or watch via livestream on the city’s website.