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Councilmember Hernandez spoke regarding the anti-ICE demonstration and <br /> expressed concerns about First Amendment rights and the SAPD's role during the <br /> event. He inquired about de-escalation tactics, whether SAPD complied with AB <br /> 481 during the demonstrations, and whether U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli requested <br /> mutual aid. He asked about injuries and claims sustained by individuals who were <br /> arrested, how officers determine when to use less-lethal force, and whether BWC <br /> footage is reviewed in those instances to ensure proper protocol, reasonable use <br /> of force, and officers being punched during the demonstration. <br /> Chief Rodriguez explained the process behind de-escalation practices and stated <br /> that the department was not compliant with AB 481 at the time of the protest. He <br /> noted the City has received a civil claim that has since become civil litigation <br /> regarding an individual injured during an arrest, addressed the department's <br /> decision-making process for using less-lethal rounds, confirmed all body-worn <br /> BWC footage is reviewed for evidentiary purposes, and described instances of <br /> officers being struck. <br /> Councilmember Lopez voiced concerns regarding First Amendment rights and <br /> SAPD's use of mutual aid during the demonstration, inquired about the types of <br /> chemical agents deployed and their effects, questioned why the report lacked <br /> additional detail about the incident, and asked who communicated with the U.S. <br /> Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at the outset. She requested clarification <br /> on the reason SAPD formed a defensive line and how the department determines <br /> when a demonstration is classified as unlawful. <br /> Chief Rodriguez explained the request for SAPD's mutual aid in the demonstration, <br /> the formation of the officers at the forefront being a mutual aid response, and the <br /> classification of an unlawful demonstration. <br /> Commander Lopez stated CS gas was used and explained its usage and why it <br /> was utilized during the demonstration. <br /> City Attorney Sonia Carvalho explained the City has four government tort claims <br /> and one lawsuit regarding to the June 2025 demonstrations, therefore all <br /> information cannot be provided due to liability, and stated she took the DHS call <br /> requesting law enforcement support and notified the City Manager and Police Chief. <br /> Councilmember Phan inquired whether, once pending litigation is complete, a full <br /> presentation could be provided outlining all that occurred during the June <br /> demonstration. She raised concerns about whether government tort claims against <br /> individual officers could potentially violate the Peace Officer Bill of Rights (POBAR) <br /> and, if so, whether that would limit the City's ability to take appropriate personnel <br /> action, and asked about SAPD's role during the demonstration and how the <br /> department responds to public calls for help. She emphasized the importance of <br /> ensuring all laws are followed so that appropriate actions are taken and all <br /> perspectives are considered. <br /> CITY COUNCIL 24 APRIL 21, 2026 <br />