AgdaPkt 2007-06-04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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resources could be better used to strengthen the community, build bonds and trust, and continue to create respect and trust. Art Bush, asixty-year resident of Redwood City, stated that he spoke before Council a few weeks ago formally asking that it not support sanctuary and that he is now asking Council to change it's informal policy of ignoring federal law. He stated that this informal policy of "don't ask" allows criminals to stay within the community without being deported. After relating an incident involving the recent arrest of an illegal immigrant for stealing, he stated that the informal policy of don't ask, whether formally declared or quietly practiced, will allow this illegal immigrant back into the community to perhaps scam others. He stated that for the safety of residents and for the quality of life, the actions police enforcement should allow for the identification of law breakers, deportation, and more communication between local and federal law enforcement. Mayor Pierce stated her understanding that people who are convicted of a crime follow natural course of criminal punishment and apprehension and that the Council is not looking at a formal sanctuary law. Chester A. Ruiz, a native San Franciscan and second generation Nicaraguan, stated his beliefs about certain core values and how he thought City Council could help preserve them. He stated his belief that there is no problem that cannot be solved by looking for the greater good and engaging in open dialogue with one another. He thanked Council for the opportunity to come together and look for solutions. Joaquin Ortiz (with Florence Ortiz), stated that they were here to say that their parents are immigrants but they deserve papers too. He stated that immigrants are not criminals, they shouldn't be treated unfairly, they come here to do whatever jobs they can get, and that they deserve more than that, and that they should be allowed to be in this country because they want a better life. Norma Avila stated that she thought it was not fair that immigrants are treated differently than citizens because they are not a real danger to the City and are only trying to find a better life for themselves and their families. She stated that everybody has ancestors that are immigrants and no one should be treated differently. Sheryl Munoz-Bergman, representing the Redwood City Immigrant Rights Coalition, stated that ICE operations have spread fear and insecurity throughout the immigrant community and that they confuse ICE with Redwood City Police Department, which destroys the community relationships they have previously built. She stated that residents have reported that constitutional and due process rights have been violated by ICE. She stated that Redwood City prides itself on diversity and inclusiveness and asked Council consider passing a resolution to support the immigrant families and condemn the way the ICE operations have been carried out. She submitted a copy of draft language and petitions with several hundred signatures to Council asking them to consider it. JOINT CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD AND APRIL 23, 2007 PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES PAGE 4