The Chula Vista City Council unanimously approved on Tuesday a communications plan to better communicate official city policies related to immigration enforcement and to better connect city residents with available immigration services.
The plan, put together by Communications Manager Anne Steinberger and Police Chief Roxana Kennedy, has three main goals: increase the awareness of city policies regarding immigration, assist residents in need to access available immigration services and city services, and to engage the Human Relations Commission to guide communications efforts.
Helping implement these goals are four strategic priorities that include developing communication tools to describe city policies, services and community resources; communicate city policies, including the Chula Vista Police Department’s policies regarding immigration, to all residents; connect residents in need to immigration services and city services; expand community engagement and partnerships regarding immigration.
Kennedy said the police department would continue to go after criminals, regardless of immigration status.
“When we say we aren’t focused on immigration, it doesn’t mean we are soft on crime,” Kennedy said. “If you are obeying the law, regardless of your immigration status, you have nothing to worry about.”
Kennedy said immigration status is never asked by Chula Vista police officers, instead that is left to the county when criminals are booked into county jail.
The plan goes into effect immediately after the council’s approval.
Last month the Council affirmed city policies regarding immigration enforcement, and agreed to join the Welcoming America network. As part of the resolution, the City Council directed staff to develop and implement a program for better communication of city policies and services to the immigrant community.
The city and police chief sought community feedback for their communications. They’ve held community meetings and met with community members and local organizations.
The newly created human relations commission will be a resource for ongoing collaboration to review and enhance communications effort and will be responsible for considering and approving future amendments of the plan, based on input from city staff and stakeholders. Chief’s community advisory committee will also have a role in guiding the implementation of the plan.
The plan is designed to increase awareness of city policies regarding immigration, identify available immigration services and city services, engage the human relations commission efforts.
Chula Vista Councilman Steve Padilla reiterated that the city does follow the law.
“Under California Law, California Peace Officers are not enforcers of federal immigration laws,” he said. “That is exclusively the jurisdiction of the federal government, not local government.”
