EDC members authorize action on ICE, call for Council leadership, approve ‘tag line’
EDC will take action “to get the City Council out of the immigration business” as President Paul McNamara put it, following authorization from members at the July 10 meeting. In making the motion to allow the Club to get involved, member Dan Buse said “no person should be afraid to contact the police department.”
Three agents of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are working with Escondido Police, and sometimes ride along on patrol. Their presence has caused persons who may be undocumented, or who have undocumented family members, to avoid requesting police assistance with crimes or emergencies out of fear of deportation. This despite claims by Police Chief Jim Maher that undocumented persons have nothing to fear from Escondido Police if they are not breaking the law.
The Club believes the current strategy and the use of ICE agents has a net effect of being detrimental to public safety, public perception of the city and addresses an issue beyond the scope of city government. The Club intends to encourage a review of the policy with the intent of having a positive dialogue toward a better community and more inclusive resolution. City Council members in attendance at the meeting indicated that the details of the policy are still vague.
In other action, Club members gave final approval to a resolution asking the City Council to “to take steps to address the dissention and unhappiness that is dividing our city and to report those steps to City residents.” Read the full text of the resolution.
Members also gave final approval to a new ‘tag line’ that will be used to explain EDC’s goals. The phrase “Creating an Escondido for Everyone” will be used along with the Club’s name where appropriate to enhance understanding of EDC’s mission.