“It’s not right that our community is living in fear.” Mayor Dan O’Brien’s opening remarks to the June 30, 2025 Emergency City Council meeting reflected the sentiment in the room.
Nearly ever seat was filled in the Mike Balkman Council Chambers, and City Manager John Nachbar, City Attorney Heather Baker and Police Chief Jason Sims were all present to consider what the city could do in response to the terror being inflicted by masked men grabbing people off the streets.
While 40 people were initially signed up to speak, some names were called by City Clerk Jeremy Bocchino who did not answer. Of those who did come to the podium, several were professional academics who taught on issues of totalitarianism, some were lawyers who worked with immigrant populations, and many were Culver City residents horrified by the brutal and random nature of these attacks on immigrants.
While Chief Sims held to the standard that the surveillance was important towards catching criminals, council reflected back that this type of data it was being used in a network that was targeting immigrants.
With the need for both staff support and legally notified agenda items, the meeting was focused on considering what could be done, and how the city could facilitate.
The council agreed to return on July 9, to consider action on turning off police surveillance cameras, funding mutual aid and creating a standing sub-committee to keep a focus on these issues. The council will also consider requisitioning funding to a non-profit group offering aid to immigrants. It was agreed that staff would need to co-ordinate to consider the idea of a rent freeze or an eviction moratorium.
On the second Agenda Item, the council voted unanimously to send a letter in support of California Senate Bills 627 (No Secret Police Act) and 805 (No Vigilantes Act.)
Council member Albert Vera, Jr. was absent, owing to the sudden scheduling of the meeting.
Judith Martin-Straw
Photo credit – Karim Sahli
