Laserfiche WebLink
misinformation that ICE had notified the city 42 times, when the Department of <br /> Homeland Security had actually done so only 97 times. He thanked everyone who <br /> came to speak, acknowledged the widespread anger, frustration, heartbreak, and <br /> disruption caused by the iCE raids, stated he issued a statement condemning the ICE <br /> raids, and expressed devastation at seeing working-class residents in his district having <br /> their lives torn apart and families affected. He described the situation as frightening, <br /> scary, and deeply personal, recounting how seeing raids at bus stops, Home Depot, <br /> and car washes reminds him of his parents' fear for 15 years after immigrating from <br /> Guerrero, Mexico, before receiving amnesty in the 1980s, and stressed he cannot <br /> remain silent while families like his are hunted and humiliated on their own streets and <br /> neighborhoods. Councilmember Penaloza explained he was unable to be at the <br /> Monday evening event because he was at work until 6:30 P.M. and expressed pride <br /> for everyone who was out protesting. He stated he attended Congressman Correa's <br /> town hall on Tuesday morning with other labor organizations. Councilmember <br /> Penaloza emphasized the city has zero control over federal enforcement operations, <br /> including ICE raids and the National Guard's presence, stated he pressed the City <br /> Manager all weekend to open streets on Fourth Street, advocating for the struggling <br /> immigrant-owned businesses, and confirmed no one on the council is working with ICE, <br /> nor are they supportive of the current state of their streets. He reiterated his <br /> denouncement of the National Guard and expressed pride for everyone who came to <br /> speak, affirming their First Amendment right to protest peacefully, and stated that the <br /> city's strength comes from its people. He expressed solidarity with everyone feeling <br /> afraid and described the situation as devastating, acknowledged the justified rage, and <br /> stated he willingly accepts any anger directed at him because many residents do not <br /> know where else to turn, sharing their same sentiments. <br /> Councilmember Hernandez expressed solidarity with the community, affirming his <br /> commitment to stand and fight alongside them, and stated his American identity stems <br /> from his great-grandfather, whose sacrifice provided his family the opportunity to bring <br /> loved ones from Mexico. He credited the resistance of the Chicano community during <br /> the Zoot Suit Riots and the Vietnam War for his presence today. Councilmember <br /> Hernandez shared his Catholic upbringing with an emphasis on principles of love to <br /> combat violence and details of an incident between the Santa Ana Police and his <br /> cousin, Brandon Lopez. He stated that the recent ICE raids in Santa Ana are terrorizing <br /> the community, with iCE, DHS, and Border Patrol targeting vulnerable members of <br /> Orange County's largest immigrant community. Councilmember Hernandez affirmed <br /> his support for peaceful protest, stated he will stand alongside the community and will <br /> not support violence or destruction of the city, and emphasized his belief in peaceful <br /> demonstration. He urged residents to continue using their First Amendment rights and <br /> to hold each other accountable for safety. Councilmember Hernandez stated the <br /> violence was inflicted by the police department, spoke regarding his experience at the <br /> protest, and stressed the importance of the city and department complying with state <br /> law. He requested the City Manager prioritize revisiting the Santa Ana Police <br /> Department's militarized equipment policy, identified the various communities at risk, <br /> and requested the City Manager's office provide transparent data on the number of <br /> non-lethal rounds fired at the public and chemical agents deployed during peaceful <br /> protests. He also asked the Chief for the threshold number of demonstrators that would <br /> trigger calling for mutual aid. <br /> CITY COUNCIL 25 JUNE 17, 2025 <br />