ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Concerns raised during recent Elk Grove City Council public comment led city officials to host a community meeting April 14 that addressed immigration enforcement and responded to residents’ questions.

The following is a summary of the discussion, including key information and resources provided by the city.

Addressing Resident Concerns

The Immigration Enforcement Listening Session, held at District 56, came after repeated inquiries from residents about how the city would respond if federal agents conducted immigration operations locally.

City officials organized the meeting to provide information, clarify the city’s/police department’s role in regard to immigration enforcement and connect residents with available resources.

The session included Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen, Assistant City Manager Jaqui Guzmán, Councilmember Sergio Robles and Police Chief Bobby Davis. Representatives from the Sacramento FUEL Network and the office of U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui also attended, along with an Elk Grove Unified School District representative who outlined set school protocols during enforcement activity near campuses.

The meeting came one week after a Know Your Rights workshop held in partnership with the Sacramento FUEL Network. The training focused on legal protections regardless of immigration status, workplace rights and how to safely interact with federal immigration officials.

Guzmán, who helped facilitate the discussion, said the effort stemmed from the ongoing feedback received during City Council meetings. She said a resident who initially raised concerns during public comment was offered a private meeting on the matter, but interest grew after word spread, drawing about 45 attendees. 

That turnout, Guzmán said, highlighted the need for a larger public forum.

Local Authorities’ Roles Explained

City officials emphasized that the Elk Grove Police Department operates in compliance with state law under the California Values Act, Senate Bill 54, which limits local law enforcement agencies from assisting federal immigration authorities or interfering with their operations.

Guzmán said the city’s goal through the meeting and subsequent Know Your Rights trainings is to better prepare residents with information and tools so they know how to respond if immigration enforcement activity occurs in town.

“We do have to be very careful how we manage these issues; I think that the city has been focused on, how can we support residents and make residents feel safe?” Guzmán said.

Police Chief Davis said the department does not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement on enforcement actions and does not grant federal agents access to the city’s secure facilities.

“Our organization has been very clear that we don’t do that,” he said.

Davis added that officers may respond if public safety is at risk and document incidents when necessary. He also emphasized the importance of understanding legal rights, including the distinction between judicial and administrative warrants. Residents can refuse entry if federal agents present an administrative warrant, he said, noting the department only serves warrants signed by a California judge.

Resources and Community Support

City officials said Elk Grove is working with the Elk Grove Unified School District and legal aid organizations to share accurate information, offer trainings and connect residents with free legal services, as well as develop emergency plans for students and families.

A school district representative highlighted California Assembly Bill 49 and Senate Bill 98, which limit Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity on school campuses. The laws require a judicial warrant to access nonpublic areas and mandate community notification of enforcement activity. More information is available at egusd.net/StudentsFamilies/ResourcesSupports/Immigration-Protection/index.html.

Additional resources and training information are available on the city’s website at elkgrove.gov/community-safety-programs-and-services/resources-and-information-immigrants.

Guzmán and Nicole Zanardi of the Sacramento FUEL Network encouraged residents who suspect immigration enforcement activity to call a rapid response hotline at 916-382-0256, which can dispatch individuals to verify whether the activity is confirmed.

“We want to be prepared and responsive, not be reactive…,” Zanardi said.

A field representative from Rep. Matsui’s office said constituents seeking assistance related to immigration enforcement should document interactions and contact the office if needed. The office can be reached at matsuiforms.house.gov/contact or 916-498-0560.

Councilmember Robles said in a statement after the session that the meeting highlighted the city’s commitment to serving the community with transparency and with residents’ safety prioritized.

“Our city’s strength is our diversity, and our responsibility is clear: Every resident should feel safe, heard and respected, no exceptions,” Robles said. “That’s the standard we have to uphold.”