BREAKING NEWS: Whittier Council Orders Staff to Review Options on ICE Activity After Intense Public Comment

During the July 8, 2025 Whittier City Council meeting, the Council voted 4 to 1 to direct city staff to review what actions, if any, the City of Whittier can take regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the community. The motion directs staff to return to the Council by August 12 with an initial report.

The motion was introduced by Councilmember Fernando Dutra during council comments, after more than two hours of public comment in which nearly all speakers focused on immigration enforcement. Many speakers called for the city to declare itself a sanctuary city, to block ICE from conducting operations, and to restrict the use of traffic cameras, which some believed were aiding federal agents. Several also demanded an immediate ban on federal agents wearing masks.

Councilmember Dutra initially proposed a study session to explore the issue, saying it would allow for discussion on the community’s concerns and provide a better understanding of what actions are legally available to the city. Councilmember Mary Ann Pacheco opposed holding a study session and instead called for immediate action.

“I don’t want a study session. I want us to act,” she said. “The public has spoken.”

Pacheco proposed an ordinance banning federal agents from wearing masks within the city, but such an ordinance may be unenforceable under federal law. The U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, as interpreted in U.S. Supreme Court cases like McCulloch v. Maryland, prohibits states or municipalities from regulating or obstructing federal agencies or agents. Based on polling, the public speakers only spoke for minority of Whittier residents or about 10,000. More on the poll here: https://www.whittier360newsnetwork.com/post/community-poll-reveals-whittier-residents-largely-unconcerned-about-ice-activity-but-some-express-f

Mayor Joe Vinatieri asked staff if they could return by August 12 with an analysis. City staff confirmed they could provide an initial report, depending on the scope of legal and public safety research involved. Vinatieri clarified that this review is to consider all the input received and allow for a proper legal and procedural approach.

Councilmember Pacheco asked for the item to be placed on the next agenda for action, not discussion. She reiterated, “I want to see action. I don’t want to see people talking.”

Councilmember Dutra noted that he had not received a seven-page document from Councilmember Pacheco outlining her proposed ordinance, stating he could not support action without proper review.

The final motion was for city staff to bring back options to the council on what actions, if any, the City of Whittier can take to address the community’s concerns about ICE operations. It passed 4 to 1, with Pacheco voting no.

Under Whittier’s municipal procedures, all new ordinances must follow a specific process: introduction, a first reading with a vote, and a second reading with final adoption. Some measures may also undergo a study session beforehand if the council deems it necessary. As such, even if a proposed ordinance were introduced on August 12, it could not become law until after a second reading at a future meeting.