Residents push for Indio to become sanctuary city

One day after the Trump administration’s decision to end DACA – the program that protects about 800,000 undocumented immigrants brought into the U.S. illegally as kids – some residents are pushing for Indio to become a sanctuary city.

The topic was be brought up by dozens of folks at Wednesday night’s Indio City Hall meeting, in hopes to start the discussion with city leaders about potentially becoming the valley’s third sanctuary city.

“It opens a dialog it gives an opportunity for people to offer different thought processes and even change their minds around preconceived notions of what an undocumented person is and what they do for our community,” said Bill Holzhauer an immigrant rights activist.
“Especially with the outcome that we had yesterday with DACA, a lot of out youth are devastated, heartbroken, and we are seeing this vulnerable community going through such difficult times,” said Luz Gallegos, community programs director for TODEC.

After public comment, the council took a 5 minute break and when they got back they took no action.

The city issued this statement to us:

“The city of Indio embraces its diversity and provides outstanding municipal services to enhance the quality of life for our residents, visitors and the business community. It is the policy of the Indio Police Department not to question victims, witnesses or reporting parties as to their immigration status to encourage crime reporting and cooperation in the investigation of criminal activity.”