Glendale Cuts Ties with ICE: What This Means for Detainees and the Community

Amid rising concerns about immigration raids, Glendale has decided to end its agreement with the federal government to house detainees from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The city announced this move on Sunday, stating it aligns with their values of public safety, transparency, and community trust.

This decision comes as California passes significant legislation, known as the California Values Act (SB 54), which restricts local governments from assisting federal immigration enforcement. This law made California the first sanctuary state, signaling a shift in how localities handle immigration matters. While other cities ended their contracts after the law was signed, Glendale chose to continue its 2007 agreement for years.

Critics, including immigration lawyer Sarah Houston, have raised serious concerns about the treatment of detainees. At a recent city council meeting, Houston highlighted distressing reports from clients held in Glendale’s facilities. She stressed the importance of protecting immigrants, especially in light of recent ICE raids.

Glendale’s decision has stirred mixed reactions. Andrés Kwon, a policy expert with the ACLU of Southern California, expressed that with over half of Glendale’s population being immigrants, the city should champion immigrant rights. He questioned whether detainees had been treated fairly in the past.

Advocacy group Amigos Unidos for Immigrant Justice welcomed the change, suggesting it could help rebuild trust within the community. They emphasized the need to protect the values that make Glendale a strong community.

Interestingly, a recent report by the Pew Research Center shows that public sentiment towards immigration is shifting. More Americans believe that immigrants strengthen the country, which may influence how cities like Glendale approach these issues in the future.

As discussions about immigration evolve, Glendale’s decision marks a significant step in addressing community concerns and reflecting changing values.



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