Downey City Council Meeting - 6/24/2025

The City of Downey Council held a meeting on June 24, 2025, which included extensive public commentary primarily focused on recent federal immigration enforcement activities within the city. Council members discussed the city's non-collaboration with ICE and federal agencies, emphasizing legal constraints and the need for federal immigration reform. A motion was made and seconded to hold a special meeting to explore possible city actions, including potential legal challenges against federal immigration enforcement practices. The council also formally adopted the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget, totaling approximately $325 million across all funds, with a general fund budget of $116 million. The budget included funding for three new full-time positions and maintained public safety expenditures at 58% of the general fund. Additionally, the council approved a $5,000 allocation to study potential expansion of the Downey Historical Society's museum space. User fee adjustments for the fiscal year were also adopted following a public hearing. The meeting featured numerous public speakers expressing diverse views on immigration enforcement and community impact, with council members acknowledging the complexity of the issue and the limits of local authority.