Q&A
Council member Brewer inquires about ICE enforcement at sensitive locations
2:00:44
ยท
106 sec
Council Member Gale A. Brewer raises concerns about ICE enforcement at sensitive locations such as faith-based institutions and schools, asking for clarification on protocols. MOIA Commissioner Manuel Castro responds by explaining the current situation and advising on rights and preparations.
- Castro clarifies that there's no existing law protecting sensitive locations, only DHS guidance that could be rescinded
- He emphasizes the importance of everyone being aware of their rights, especially for private properties like houses of worship
- Castro advises faith-based leaders to have protocols in place and to seek legal counsel or guidance from MOIA if ICE agents arrive
Gale A. Brewer
2:00:44
Second question is, I know that Ruth Messinger and the bishop and the rabbis all met with the mayor, I think, on Zoom.
2:00:52
And, of course, they all briefed me on everything.
2:00:54
And the question is, if in fact I don't they don't know the answer even after the meeting.
2:01:01
That if ICE shows up at the faith based, if ICE shows up at the school, ICE shows up, wherever in terms of Sanctuary City, what exactly are they supposed to do?
2:01:11
You have your congregation.
2:01:12
You got ice outside.
2:01:14
What exactly are they supposed to do?
2:01:16
Because I don't think they understand that.
Manuel Castro
2:01:18
Yes.
2:01:18
I wasn't part of that conversation.
2:01:21
Were.
2:01:21
I've been in a part of many different conversations with, you know, faith based leaders, houses of worship, and so on.
2:01:29
And it's important to clarify that there's no existing law that protects these sensitive locations.
2:01:34
I spoke about this earlier.
2:01:35
It's a memo from the Department of Homeland Security providing guidance to their immigration enforcement agents that can be rescinded in the, you know, in the coming federal administration.
2:01:47
Important for everyone to be aware of their rights, especially those houses of worship that are private properties and and have protocols in place to know how to respond if federal immigration authorities arrive.
Gale A. Brewer
2:02:01
Okay.
2:02:01
There is a program in place if they arrive is what you're saying.
2:02:05
I didn't understand.
2:02:05
Sorry.
Manuel Castro
2:02:06
Oh, they they they do have rights.
Gale A. Brewer
2:02:08
Right.
Manuel Castro
2:02:09
That, and they they should be speaking with legal counsel.
2:02:15
They are they can reach out to us so we can provide some more guidance about what is it that they can do if immigration enforcement agents show up to their doorsteps.
UNKNOWN
2:02:25
Okay.
Manuel Castro
2:02:25
Just like individuals.
Enrique Chavira Cantu
2:02:27
I did just wanna add, council member It
Gale A. Brewer
2:02:29
wasn't clear from the meeting.
2:02:30
That's what I understand.