Phoenix City Council developing initiative regarding immigration enforcement

PHOENIX — The Phoenix City Council voted Tuesday to move forward with having staff develop an initiative regarding immigration enforcement due to resident concerns.

For the Community Transparency Initiative, staff will create potential ordinances, regulations and guidelines based off a Feb. 5 memorandum from Mayor Kate Gallego.

The initiative’s purpose is to be a lawful and community-centered response to residents’ worries.

“Fear is spreading through our neighborhoods, and that fear is making Phoenix less safe,” Councilwoman Betty Guardado said in a press release. “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.”

The city council acknowledged that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, but emphasized its authority and obligation to protect residents’ civil rights and ensure city resources are not used in a way that puts them at risk.

More details on the transparency initiative for immigration enforcement

The proposed initiative would direct staff to document any federal immigration enforcement activities within city limits that might violate criminal statutes or individual rights. That information would then be used to investigate the agent or agents that acted outside the scope of their authority.

In addition, data would be collected on any impacts federal immigration enforcement is having on city services, including calls for service, response time changes or overtime costs.

As part of the initiative, staff would also have to ensure there are multilingual communication channels available across the city’s services and resources.

There would also be training implemented for city employees on lawful practices, including the difference between an administrative warrant and a judicial one.

Finally, staff would be required to establish clear standards for when and how city property and facilities may be used by outside organizations.

City staff is expected to return to the council with a proposed framework for the Community Transparency Initiative, a communication and outreach plan as well as expected budgetary needs and staff 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.”

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