The Chula Vista City Council approved a resolution to condemn aggressive federal immigration enforcement tactics on Monday, joining a growing regional response to what officials called unconstitutional practices that have led to deaths and eroded community trust. The resolution, passed by a 4-0 vote with Mayor John McCann absent on U.S. Navy Reserve deployment, specifically targeted “Operation Metro Surge” in Minneapolis and Minnesota, where enforcement actions have sparked widespread protests and legal challenges. “This is not a choice between enforcement and safety. That’s a false dilemma,” Deputy Mayor Cesar Fernandez said during the special council meeting. “A community where residents are afraid to call for help or participate in civic life is not safer for anyone. Public safety depends on legitimacy, trust and accountability.” The meeting’s 26 speakers reflected deep community divisions, with residents voicing their support and opposition to the item. Those in opposition largely voiced concerns about public safety, adherence to federal law and immigration enforcement policy, while supportive comments addressed federal immigration crackdowns and the deaths of U.S. citizens Rene Good and Alex Pretti by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Resident Greg Martinez questioned the political timing, noting the resolution was brought while McCann was on Reserve deployment, raising concerns about scheduling a vote in the absence of an official who might oppose it. Fernandez defended the timing of the special meeting, stating that McCann had not officially notified the city council of his deployment until the day of the meeting. He said it was his understanding that McCann’s lack of notification was consistent with past practice due to the strategic nature of military duty. “For the record, I would have called for this special meeting even if he was available,” Fernandez said in an email following the vote. “The deaths in Minneapolis and elsewhere called for immediate action. Being silent was not an option and neither was waiting.” Myllissa McCann, Mayor McCann’s wife, said he informed the City Manager’s office of his deployment, which began roughly two weeks ago. “We live a very public life, and due to safety concerns and the need to protect our family, we are cautious about public announcements and sharing this information with unnecessary individuals,” Myllissa McCann said. District 1 resident John Teevan supported the measure but pushed for stronger action. “Symbolic actions, statements, campaigns and lowered flags are important. They send a message, but our residents need more than a message,” Teevan said during his comments. “They need protection. They need policy. They need guarantees that Chula Vista will not be a partner in the fear and disruption caused by ICE and CBP and other federal agencies.” The resolution drew significant institutional backing, with San Diego County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre, representatives from Assemblymember David Alvarez’s and state Sen. Steve Padilla’s offices, and labor representatives speaking during public comment. The resolution directs flags to be flown at half-staff and instructs the city manager to implement actions consistent with the city’s good neighbor policy. Councilmember Carolina Chavez pushed for immediate action beyond the resolution, seeking to codify protections into municipal code similar to those adopted by San Diego County and the City of San Diego. “We cannot live in fear that the reckless and unacceptable enforcement measures we are seeing in other cities will spread here to Chula Vista,” Chavez said during the meeting. “Our community has already seen these tactics here at home, at restaurants, at schools.” The vote came as the San Diego City Council took similar action the same day, authorizing the city to join Minnesota and Illinois’ constitutional lawsuits against the Trump Administration. ...read more read less