Phoenix may bar ICE from using city property without authorization
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The Phoenix City Council will vote Wednesday on a policy that would bar federal immigration agents from using city property without authorization.
Why it matters: Residents have shared growing concerns about how federal law enforcement activities "adversely impact the community," city staff wrote in the meeting agenda.
The big picture: The Valley has been bracing for a possible Minneapolis-style surge in ICE enforcement.
- That hasn't happened, but a Homeland Security raid on Valley-wide Zipps Sports Grill locations in January sparked protests and fueled fears.
State of play: The Community Transparency Initiative (CTI) proposal includes a provision barring parks or other city-owned or -controlled property from being used for "unauthorized or non-city purposes."
- That includes using city property as a staging area, processing location or operations base for civil law enforcement without the city manager's approval and the police chief's recommendation.
- Properties subject to the policy would have signs explaining the prohibition.
Between the lines: City property exists for public use and enjoyment, and Phoenix has a duty to ensure it's used appropriately, city staff wrote as part of the proposal.
Yes, but: The policy has some exemptions. It wouldn't apply to the execution of lawful warrants or criminal law enforcement, nor to city-owned property that's controlled by other governmental entities, nonprofits or third-party organizations.
- When the Trump administration deployed ICE agents to assist TSA at Sky Harbor this week, city aviation officials emphasized that they couldn't block the move because the airport is federally regulated.
- State law also bars cities from limiting or restricting enforcement of federal immigration laws.
Zoom in: The initiative has other provisions, including tracking city resources used during incidents involving federal law enforcement and training for city employees who may encounter these incidents.
- Employees who learn of unauthorized uses of city property would be required to document and report them, but couldn't engage or obstruct the operations without direction from the city manager.
Catch up quick: Mayor Kate Gallego asked city staff to begin drafting the initiative in February, and the council voted a few days later to move forward with the plans.
- Gallego cited community concerns "about how potential federal law enforcement activities could threaten their civil rights, harm stability for their families, and cause sudden disruptions to their daily lives."
Zoom out: Tucson and Pima County have enacted similar policies.
What's next: The council meeting begins at 2:30pm Wednesday.
What we're watching: Also on the council's agenda is renaming the city's Cesar Chavez holiday and any street signs or Phoenix facilities that bear his name.