Phoenix City Council Advances Action to Protect Civil Rights and Prevent Fear from Undermining Public Safety

PHOENIX — Today, the City of Phoenix City Council voted to move forward with decisive action to protect residents’ civil rights, safeguard access to City services, and establish clear rules governing the use of City property—including parks and facilities—by outside organizations.

The motion, introduced by Councilwoman Betty Guardado and approved by Council, directs City staff to develop potential ordinances, regulations, and guidelines consistent with the Mayor’s February 5 memorandum, while also returning options related to outside organization staging and operations on City property.

The Council’s action comes amid growing concern from Phoenix residents that fear - tied to federal enforcement activity is changing daily behavior—keeping people from reporting crimes, accessing City services, and going about their lives safely.

“Fear is spreading through our neighborhoods, and that fear is making Phoenix less safe,” Guardado said. “As a proud daughter of immigrants who lives in Maryvale, I see firsthand how fear keeps families from reporting crime, seeking help, or walking into a City building. When people are afraid to call for help or report crime, public safety breaks down.”

While immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, the Council emphasized that Phoenix has both the authority and the obligation to protect civil rights and ensure City resources are not used in ways that place residents at risk.

“This vote is about drawing clear lines,” Guardado said. “The City of Phoenix will protect access to services, defend constitutional rights, and take responsibility for how our property, staff, and systems are used.”

Under the Council’s direction, staff will evaluate options that may include:

• Documenting and preserving information related to federal enforcement actions that may violate civil or constitutional rights;
• Assessing impacts to City services, including calls for service and operational costs;
• Strengthening multilingual communication and community guidance;
• Training City employees on lawful protocols, including the distinction between administrative and judicial warrants; and
• Establishing clear standards for when and how outside organizations may use City properties and facilities.

City staff are expected to return to Council with proposed ordinance language and/or administrative procedures, a communication and outreach plan, and an assessment of any budgetary or staffing impacts.

“Phoenix cannot allow fear to replace trust,” Guardado said. “This Council is acting with urgency because our community needs clarity, protection, and leadership right now.”