The City of Culver City released a statement on Thursday, June 26 to present a united front against recent immigration-related activities by the federal government.
“The ongoing behavior of federal immigration authorities is spreading fear and pain throughout the Culver City community,” a statement reads. “We are proud that we have been a Sanctuary City since 2017. Our commitment to being a welcoming city for immigrants remains steadfast.”
Earlier in the month, Mayor Dan O’Brien issued the following statement: “Culver City stands with the people who call our community home regardless of immigration status. Immigrants are vital to our City, and we remain deeply committed to protecting their rights and dignity.
In 2017, the City Council formally declared Culver City a Sanctuary City. That commitment continues today. In alignment with California law, the Culver City Police Department maintains clear and strict policies that prohibit the enforcement of federal immigration laws and the sharing of personal data or information with immigration authorities.
Culver City Police do not ask about immigration status when responding to calls for service. Our focus is, and always will be, on ensuring public safety and providing respectful, equitable service to everyone in our community including those who live here, work here, and visit our beautiful City.
No one should ever be afraid to seek help, report a crime, or engage with City services because of their immigration status. In Culver City, we believe every person deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported.
The City has released a list of things that it is doing to “ensure everyone in our community feels safe.”
- We are providing City staff with procedures to protect children and other community members at summer camps, The Plunge, parks, buses, City Hall and other City facilities—including “Know Your Rights”.
- We are preparing resources for community members that will be available at City Facilities and on our website, including “Know Your Rights”.
- All resources and communications will be provided in Spanish and English.
- The Culver City Police Department abides by California State Legislation, City of Culver City Resolution No. 2017-R025, and Department Policies that strictly prohibit cooperation in federal immigration enforcement activities.
- The Culver City Police Department has robust, clear, and concise guidelines and policies related to Automated License Plate Reader data. The Department aligns with California State Legislation and Department Policy regarding the usage and sharing of this data and strictly enforces restrictions on the usage or sharing with federal immigration enforcement.
- Anyone who feels unsafe from individuals who are not readily identifiable as federal agents should call 9-1-1. Culver City Police will rapidly respond to ensure public safety. The Culver City Police Department does not engage in immigration enforcement and cannot interfere with or obstruct federal enforcement actions.
- We will connect volunteer groups with food banks to facilitate assistance to those community members in need at this time.
- We will advocate to our Federal elected officials to do more to protect our community.
Find a full list of Know Your Rights resources available on the city website at: https://www.culvercity.org/Services/Know-Your-Rights.