Residents and community advocates organized a rally outside the El Cajon City Council chambers Tuesday, Aug. 12, to oppose a vote the council took in February allowing local police to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
The protest was organized by Activate San Diego Indivisible, Latinos en Acción and Fuerza Hispana. It began with a press conference at Centennial Plaza Park before the 3 p.m. public comment session at City Council chambers.
The council’s decision, supported by Mayor Bill Wells and Councilmembers Steve Goble and Phil Ortiz, permits local police officers to work directly with federal immigration officials.
Organizers said the resolution violates California’s Senate Bill 54, which limits cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
They also said the resolution could lead to harassment and intimidation of Latino and Hispanic U.S. citizens and legal residents, and to arrests and illegal detention due to what they described as racial profiling tactics by immigration officials.
During the meeting, residents delivered letters, spoke during the public comment period and called for accountability from elected officials.
