Last week, the City of Claremont issued a statement reaffirming its position on servicing people of all legal status.

The statement began by acknowledging recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations that have taken place nationwide, including in neighboring Pomona, which in turn have “caused some questions from our community about the City’s position concerning ICE operations. As a government and a community, we are committed to supporting and providing resources and services to the people we serve,” it read.

“On January 24, 2017, the City Council adopted a resolution affirming the City’s standing commitment to diversity and safeguarding the civil rights, safety and dignity of all people. Contained in the language of the resolution is the following:

• Consistent with the law and with City standard operating procedures, the Claremont Police Department does not conduct immigration enforcement raids, and does not question, detain or arrest individuals solely on the basis of their violating federal civil immigration laws.
• The City of Claremont recognizes that federal civil immigration law is the sole responsibility of the federal government.
• Consistent with the law and with City standard operating procedures, the Claremont Police Department does provide proactive, effective, and professional law enforcement services for our community to keep all of our residents safe.”

The statement, viewable at claremontca.gov/news-articles, referenced California Senate Bill 54, also known as the California Values Act, which prohibits local law enforcement from participating in immigration enforcement, except in specific circumstances. Additionally, it reaffirmed that city departments have been directed to service all residents without requiring proof of immigration status, except in legally required circumstances.