Mayor Gallego, City Council Advance Efforts to Address Federal Immigration Enforcement Concern

Mayor Kate Gallego and the City Council voted to develop potential policies to protect Phoenix residents and their civil rights amid ramping federal immigration enforcement.  

Specifically, the Council directed staff to create a framework that: 

• Considers restrictions on outside organizations from staging at City parks, preserves and property;  
• Documents and preserves information on all federal immigration enforcement activities within Phoenix that may violate criminal statutes and civil rights for potential prosecution of federal agents who violate the law when acting outside the scope of their duties; 
• Collects data on impacts to City services as a result of federal immigration enforcement; and 
• Provides training for City employees who may encounter federal enforcement actions, including protocols related to administrative and judicial warrants. 

The City is also developing Know Your Rights resources for the public and will retain outside council for potential litigation against the federal government. 

“I’ve heard from many residents who have witnessed the sweeping civil rights violations in Minneapolis and are worried—with good reason—about how federal immigration enforcement actions can violate civil rights, disrupt families, and interfere with daily lives here in Phoenix,” Mayor Gallego said. “We share those valid concerns, and we’re taking meaningful steps to protect our community.” 

Staff will return to the City Council with a proposed framework for the initiative, a communication and outreach plan, and anticipated budgetary and staffing needs.