The El Cajon City Council faced division during a meeting over two proposed resolutions regarding police cooperation with federal immigration officials. Mayor Bill Wells supported a resolution favoring assistance to federal officials, while a reworded version aimed to alleviate fears within the immigrant community. After much debate and public comment that lasted over five hours, neither resolution passed. Tensions were high as council members expressed differing views on the implications of immigration enforcement for community safety and perceptions of racism.
"I will not be a part of it, she said. This makes us look like racists, and I want no part of it."
"The intention of this is to state that El Cajon will represent the people that live here by telling the federal government our intent to comply with you."
"Citing reports that show immigrants commit fewer crimes than citizens and that they pay taxes, Councilmember Gary Kendrick argued for the immigrant community."
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