EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The El Paso City Council unanimously approved a measure aimed at holding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) accountable on Tuesday.
The initiative, Item 34, was introduced by Rep. Lily Limon and co-sponsored by Rep. Chris Canales.
It directs the City Manager and City Attorney to explore options regarding ICE detention centers.
Jordan Salas reports on El Paso City Council moves to hold ICE accountable with new measures (Credit: KFOX14)
Mayor Renard Johnson said the decision followed strong community turnout at City Hall.
“I’m so proud of El Paso — the way they came out and spoke,” Johnson said. “The community waited hours and hours to speak, and they stayed here until late this afternoon.”
Rep. Josh Acevedo proposed an amendment to the measure, which was also unanimously approved.
The amendment calls for the creation of a protocol to prevent federal law enforcement officers from entering city facilities without a signed judicial warrant.
It also seeks to explore a moratorium on permitting, zoning, and licensing for ICE facilities and requires a report detailing all points of cooperation between the city and ICE.
Canales said the measure is intended to clarify the city’s legal authority.
“The whole point of having the discussion today is to make sure that we have a thorough understanding of who has what authority and how the different roles work together,” Canales said.
What has occurred throughout the nation and locally is a wakeup call. This is a time for clarity and courage as our values are not negotiable,” said Acevedo. “As the world looks upon us, we must take action to fight against human and civil rights violations. History will judge us and this was the time to act.
The City Manager and City Attorney are required to report back to the City Council within 60 days.
Acevedo further criticized ICE, stating, “On a daily basis, we see ICE acting repulsively, creating chaos in communities across the country. We have seen the execution of U.S. citizens exercising their constitutional rights. These acts of violence are eroding our basic rights in this country.” He added, “It is time to abolish ICE – an agency that was created less than 23 years ago and is unaccountable to the American people.”
El Paso County commissioners also unanimously approved a series of actions Monday in response to proposed immigration detention facilities in the county.
According to the office of U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, the proposed facilities would be located in three buildings along Eastwind Avenue in Socorro.
Despite the county’s actions, federal authorities retain control over the construction and location of detention facilities, according to county and federal officials.
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