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July 2, 2025
By Brian Hews
In the wake of intensifying federal immigration raids across Southern California, the City of Lakewood has issued a rare and strongly worded public statement, addressing the disruption and fear reverberating throughout the community. While reaffirming its commitment to public safety and the rule of law, Lakewood’s message strikes a deliberate balance—acknowledging the legal authority of federal enforcement while advocating for the humane treatment of all residents, regardless of immigration status.
“Like all of you, we have watched over the past weeks as federal immigration enforcement efforts have ramped up throughout Southern California,” the statement reads. “Many communities have been touched by these enforcement operations, including our own City of Lakewood just a few days ago.”
Lakewood officials made clear that the city was not involved in or notified about recent immigration enforcement activity within its borders. That fact alone, the statement notes, contributed to the confusion and anxiety experienced by residents—citizens and undocumented alike.
Without directly naming Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the city sharply criticized the execution of these raids, stating that “we have witnessed how chaotic some of them have become and how they have instilled fear among many American citizens and undocumented residents who have no criminal history.”
The statement underscores Lakewood’s longstanding values: public safety, inclusiveness, and due process. “This has never been predicated on one’s immigration status,” it continues. “One’s immigration status is not a factor as to who is held accountable and who receives support.”
But amid growing division, the city drew a clear line on behavior: peaceful protest is protected, but violence is not. “We vigorously support and defend everyone’s right to lawfully and peacefully express their views,” the city declared. “But we will never condone violent attacks against law enforcement officers—local, state or federal—who are lawfully performing their duties.”
The tone of the statement reflects the tightrope walk many local governments face as federal enforcement intensifies under politically charged directives. The city acknowledged the emotional and political complexity of immigration enforcement, while pleading for residents to uphold “compassion, peaceful dialogue and respect.”
Lakewood also subtly rebuked the scope of recent raids, urging federal policymakers to “re-focus immigration enforcement on those who have a history of victimizing our communities” rather than casting a wide net that disrupts families, businesses, and community life.
Finally, the city encouraged residents seeking clarity or legal guidance to call City Hall at (562) 866-9771, ext. 2140, to be connected with resources that can inform individuals of their rights.
Lakewood’s statement doesn’t aim to solve the immigration debate—but it does try to lower the temperature. And in today’s climate, that in itself is a stand.
Contact Brian Hews at [email protected] or follow @cerritosnews.bsky.social.
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