Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee signs historic orders to create 'ICE-free zones'
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Surrounded by community leaders and elected officials, Mayor Barbara Lee signed into history two executive orders to prepare and protect Oakland from possible deployment of the National Guard and federal immigration enforcement operations.
Lee said her orders are meant to prevent the kinds of violence that unfolded in Minneapolis from coming to Oakland.
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"We are not going to allow our community to be used by the federal government. We are not going to allow chaos here in Oakland. We are not going to take the bait here in Oakland," Lee told the crowd to a round of applause.
The first executive order signed by Lee will restrict federal immigration agents from using property owned or controlled by Oakland for processing, operations and ICE activities.
This order closely mirrors legislation approved by Alameda County that bars federal immigration agents from using county property for enforcement activities.
RELATED: Plan moves forward to prevent ICE activities on Alameda County property
Lee's second order directs city departments for the possible deployment of federal personnel, U.S. military or National Guard. It creates an interdepartmental task force to coordinate a response plan, educate communities about their legal rights and review ways to report illegal acts by federal agents or soldiers.
The executive orders take effect immediately.
"Our immigrant community deserves that. They deserve to see us fighting for them, but peacefully protecting them," Lee said.
East Bay Congresswoman Lateefah Simon also spoke at the signing, saying it's the government's job "to protect and be the good."
"We will hold the line to ensure that every Oaklander, during this federal siege in American cities, has folks to turn to," Simon said.
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Some leaders from Oakland's diverse ethnic communities call the legislation "monumental."
"It is really a declaration, specifically for our immigrant, refugee communities," said Caheri Gutierrez, with the Oakland-based Unity Council, a nonprofit that works on issues of social equity. "Letting them know that the city is standing behind them. And that we will protect them."
Also on hand were union leaders, who say this legislation gives guidance and protection to city employees against any possible federal immigration action.
Miya Saika Chen is chief of staff for Lee. She worked with the city attorney's office to craft the legislation.
"This is a direction from the mayor for every single city staff," Chen said. "She wanted to make it clear that we are not going to be a combat zone here in Oakland."
