Ontario mayor apologizes after ICE comments spark backlash at packed council meeting
The city council directed the police department to clarify the police's role in immigration enforcement. Advocates say it’s not enough
Ontario’s city council is taking initial steps in response to public concerns over immigration enforcement. At their meeting Tuesday, they directed the police chief to draft a policy clarifying the department’s role in federal immigration activity.
Despite apologies from Mayor Paul Leon — who was criticized for his past comments on ICE operations — and from the city council, many public speakers said the recommendations don’t go far enough.
“The city can definitely do more,” said Russell Jauregui, an immigration attorney with the San Bernardino Community Service Center and an Ontario resident. “This isn’t over. Tonight was the first step, but we cannot let them off the hook.”
Hundreds packed the council chambers, with most seats taken and overflow crowds watching from the hallway and an additional room. Many residents voiced frustration with Leon for comments he made a few weeks ago.
In response to a teenage girl who shared her fears about ICE activity in the city, Leon had said he tried to reassure her, but acknowledged it may not have come across the right way.
“I’m Hispanic. She’s Hispanic. They’re Hispanic. I don’t walk in fear,” he said at the June 17 meeting. “Even though I know some people are.”
Leon added that he believes people who remain peaceful shouldn’t have reason to worry. “I'm not getting profiled just for being around,” he said. “I think that we've seen some instances on television where maybe people should have been a little bit more peaceful themselves. And if things get out of control here, we have to respond, but they haven’t.”
After some public pressure Tuesday night, Leon apologized. “I completely understand how it came across… everyone spoke their truth,” he said from the dais. “With all that said, I appreciate everyone telling me how you felt.”
So, what exactly did Ontario do in response to concerns over ICE?
The council directed Chief Mike Lorenz to draft a policy clarifying the department’s role in federal immigration activity. Lorenz said California’s Senate Bill 54, the California Values Act, prohibits local police from assisting with immigration enforcement.
“We do not share information with ICE,” Lorenz said. “We do not do anything with ICE except keep the peace.”
He encouraged residents to call police if they need help identifying anyone claiming to be an ICE agent. “If there’s any question… any thoughts of kidnapping or traffic collisions, call the Ontario Police Department and we will respond,” he said. “We will confirm that they have legal reason to detain somebody, and then they will do their jobs, and we will do ours.”
Councilmembers also said they plan to request a meeting with Congresswoman Norma Torres, who represents the city.
What are residents and local groups asking for?
Immigrant rights advocates say the city should go further, such as designating public buildings as welcoming spaces and distributing Know Your Rights materials.
Tina Silva with the Greater Ontario Democratic Club said they want the city to declare itself a sanctuary city and bar ICE from entering city buildings like libraries and community centers.
“We want the city to end all collaboration with ICE, designate all city buildings as sensitive locations and issue clear protocols to keep them out,” she said. “And partner with local organizations to share immigrant resources on the city website and in public spaces.”
Jauregui said city leaders need to do more than ask people to behave.
“It's about having their basic constitutional rights respected,” he said. “People would feel more protected and feel safer coming out of their homes knowing that they're going to be protected if they go for city services.”
Do all Ontario residents agree with offering more protections for immigrants?
Some don’t. A few residents argued against sanctuary policies, saying they could attract problems and crime.
“I’m an immigrant. I wasn’t born in this country,” said Yadira De Leon, who came from Guatemala. “But I did things to become a citizen… There is a right way of doing things. And I paid my dues.”
She said she doesn’t necessarily support the mayor, but believed he was trying to reassure the teenager while also respecting both state and federal law.
“If they don’t abide by those laws, and they’re obstructing what the federal government is doing, they’re going to be in trouble as well,” she said. “Unfortunately, a lot of people are not educated enough.”
Lori Masonis, a self-described regular at city council meetings, called SB 54 a “misguided” law that protects “criminal illegal aliens.”
Still, she said she understood why some people were upset by Leon’s comments.
“I kind of understand maybe a little sensitivity on the part of the mayor,” she said. “But immigrants and illegal aliens are not the same. I wish the constant fear mongering was not so infectious.”
This story includes reporting from KVCR
Anthony Victoria