AUSTIN, Texas — As masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents continue to detain people across the country as part of the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts, some Austin City Council members are exploring ways to improve accountability.
A March 13 memo titled “Protecting the People of Austin from Unconstitutional and Violent Federal Operations,” outlines five requests addressed to City Manager T.C. Broadnax.
The requests range from ensuring allegations of violence, property damage and criminal conduct by federal officials are reported, to making sure de-escalation tactics are used to protect peaceful protestors during a surge of ICE agents or federal officials.
One request, titled “No More Secret Police,” suggests prohibiting law enforcement personnel operating within the city from wearing face coverings while on the job — including when interrogating, detaining or arresting people.
The memo was signed by Austin City Council members Vanessa Fuentes (District 2), José Velasquez (District 3), Ryan Alter (District 5), Zohaib Qadri (District 9) and Mayor Pro Tem José “Chito” Vela, (District 4).
“As the situation regarding federal immigration enforcement activities in our region continues to change, we are committed to prioritizing the public safety and civil rights of all Austinites, and, to the best we are able, ensure that the City of Austin is a trusted institution for all who reside here,” city leaders said in the memo.
City leaders are requesting that staff evaluate the requests and respond within 30 days.
See the full list of requests below: