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Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza spoke in favor of the drone program and hoped they can <br /> assist with illegal fireworks within the city. He asked whether the drones could be <br /> used in police pursuits or to monitor immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) <br /> within the City. <br /> Police Chief Robert Rodriguez clarified the drone program would not assist with <br /> vehicle pursuits but could step in if the pursuits turns into a foot pursuit and stated <br /> that drone use to monitor ICE could be considered interference with a federal <br /> operation. <br /> City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho stated that City Attorney's office would work closely <br /> with the Police Department when drafting the policy to address any questions <br /> regarding drone monitoring. <br /> Mayor Amezcua asked City Attorney Carvalho regarding the possible request by <br /> the community to use the drone to monitor ICE and asked for clarification on the <br /> difference between the first responder drones and the portable drones. <br /> City Attomey Carvalho clarified the policy would limit the use of drones to assist with <br /> direct calls for service_ <br /> Chief Rodriguez explained the first responder drones would be deployed when a call <br /> for service is received to provide real time information before officers arrive on the <br /> scene and the portable drones are smaller drones that would be kept in a patrol <br /> vehicle to be used for confined spaces. <br /> Mayor Amezcua asked for clarification regarding "mission creep" and whether the <br /> Police Department would provide any footage captured to ICE. <br /> Chief Rodriguez stated that "mission creep"prohibits the drone from being used in <br /> proactive enforcement, limits the use of the drones to calls for service, and stated <br /> that any footage captured is stored by the department and would not be provided to <br /> ICE. <br /> MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern Penaloza moved to approve the recommended <br /> action for Agenda Item No. 15, seconded by Mayor Amezcua. <br /> MINUTES: City Attorney Carvalho clarified the City will continue to fully comply with <br /> the Califomia Values Act, SB54, to which the only exception would require a lawful <br /> order or subpoena. <br /> Councilmember Hernandez asked regarding the drone's 49-minute flight limit, its <br /> jurisdictional boundaries, and whether the footage constitutes public record. He also <br /> raised concerns regarding privacy and ethics of military equipment, questioned the <br /> policies protecting First Amendment protest rights, and requested specific details <br /> on drone deployment at 17th and Tustin. Finally, he suggested utilizing drones to <br /> assist other city departments. <br /> CITY COUNCIL 11 FEBRUARY 3, 2026 <br />