Discontent Brews Amid Sacramento Mayor’s Comments on Immigration Advocacy
Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty has drawn criticism from immigrant advocacy organizations, labeling them “crying wolves” regarding a recent incident involving a detainee at the John E. Moss Federal Building. This assertion came in light of concerns raised by advocates at NorCal Resist regarding the treatment of a man detained under federal immigration enforcement.
Gisele Garcia, the program director for NorCal Resist, reported that McCarty expressed his frustrations during a meeting with advocates who have long urged the city to adopt stricter policies against federal immigration actions. Garcia described the atmosphere at the meeting as one filled with “disrespect and disappointment.”
The Sacramento City Council passed a resolution earlier this year endorsing the right of protesters to document interactions with authorities, including agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, many attendees at a recent City Council meeting voiced dissatisfaction with the perceived ineffectiveness of the policy, prompting a lengthy three-hour discussion.
While McCarty did not dispute the account provided by NorCal Resist, he acknowledged the efforts of nonprofit organizations and elected officials who intervened to assist the man. “We thank NorCal Resist, immigrant rights organizations, and the thousands of Sacramento residents standing up against unjust ICE operations,” he stated.
The incident at the Moss Building involved a man who was apprehended by federal agents, leading to an influx of concerned family members and volunteers. Eric Hill, a volunteer with NorCal Resist, described the distress of the man’s sister, who reported her brother’s detention as he struggled with an ongoing medical condition.
Garcia highlighted the urgency of the situation, expressing fears that without prompt medical intervention, the detainee could suffer severe health consequences both inside the federal building and during transport to a detention center. She noted that relatives were particularly anxious about the deteriorating health of their loved one.
When advocates reached out to city officials for assistance, City Councilwoman Karina Talamantes, Assemblywoman Doris Matsui, and Senator Alex Padilla responded by dispatching resources to the scene. The Sacramento Fire Department evaluated the detainee, although he ultimately declined medical assistance. Fire spokesman Capt. Justin Sylvia confirmed that the individual did not meet the criteria for emergency care.
Despite the recent friction, Garcia indicated a willingness to collaborate with McCarty, albeit with disappointment regarding his stance on immigration issues. “We hope he uses this as a learning opportunity to advance meaningful policies,” she emphasized.
Since its declaration as a sanctuary city in 1985, Sacramento has been a leader in supporting immigrant communities. Council members are currently co-sponsoring a proposal aimed at prohibiting immigration enforcement on city-owned property, a measure that McCarty expressed his support for, stating, “We will never assist the federal government with private immigration enforcement.” However, the proposal is still pending a vote by the City Council.
