During the El Cajon City Council meeting on August 12, 2025, community members voiced strong opposition to the city's cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), urging council members to reconsider their stance on immigration enforcement policies.

Veteran and community advocate Tariq Asfor highlighted the fear and anxiety experienced by local residents, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds, who feel threatened by the presence of ICE. He called for full support of California Senate Bill 54, which aims to limit local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Asfor emphasized the moral obligation of elected officials to protect vulnerable populations and criticized the current policies that he believes unjustly target peaceful individuals.

Another speaker echoed these sentiments, arguing that the collaboration with ICE undermines community trust and safety. They presented data showing that a significant percentage of ICE detainees have no criminal convictions, suggesting that the agency's practices disproportionately affect innocent individuals. The speaker urged council members to prioritize moral leadership over political pressures, advocating for stronger protections for immigrants and a focus on community trust rather than compliance with federal immigration enforcement.

Concerns were also raised about the financial implications of ICE's operations, with one resident questioning the fairness of asking local police to perform duties typically associated with federal immigration enforcement. They pointed out the significant resources being allocated to ICE, including recruitment bonuses and overtime pay, and questioned whether similar support is being offered to local law enforcement.

The discussions at the meeting reflect a growing concern among El Cajon residents regarding the impact of immigration policies on community safety and cohesion. As the council considers its position on cooperation with ICE, the voices of constituents highlight the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes justice and the well-being of all residents.