‘In Our Home, We Protect Our People’: Mayor’s Update for June 2025

Dear Bell Gardens community,

What we are witnessing in our city—and across Southeast Los Angeles—is un-American.

Recent immigration enforcement by the federal government—carried out in unmarked vehicles, ambushing residents at car washes, grocery stores, and even outside their homes—has left many of us shaken. Many of these actions appear to target day laborers and working families—some undocumented, many citizens—who are simply trying to survive. 

This is to say nothing of community reports of individuals posing as federal agents attempting to carry out God knows what.

Targeting the most vulnerable for political gain, dismantling due process, and using armed forces to sow division—these are not, and never will be, American values.

Let’s be honest: these actions are not just affecting people with serious criminal histories. A Los Angeles Times analysis found that in the first week of the raids, a majority of those arrested had no criminal convictions. Agents are detaining youth, parents, workers—our neighbors, our families, our friends.

I’ve seen the videos. I’ve been out there. And like many of you, I am heartbroken and furious.

I’ve heard from residents who are scared to leave their homes, from students who don’t know if their parents will return from work. I’ve marched with many of you—protesting peacefully, demanding answers, and standing up for what’s right.

As the son of a formerly undocumented mother, this issue is deeply personal. 

I think of Esther, one of our residents, whose husband was detained by federal agents outside their home in Bell Gardens early one Friday morning. He was preparing to take her to work when unmarked vehicles surrounded him as he turned onto Ajax Avenue. Her husband was taken without explanation, and the family heard nothing for nearly 24 hours until they learned he had been transferred to El Paso, Texas. He was given only a few minutes to speak with his family and now faces transfer to another detention facility. Esther says he has diabetes and may not be receiving proper medical care. 

That’s not just any intersection, it’s our backyard. That’s not just any family, it’s one of our own.

I want to thank every person who has stepped up in the face of fear. One such person is Ernesto Flores, who confronted federal agents outside his restaurant, Encanto. His refusal to be silenced and his willingness to protect our community represent the spirit of Bell Gardens. Ernesto, thank you for your courage. Your actions—and those of everyone who joined the peaceful protests at Eastern and Florence avenues—remind us that dignity, solidarity, and resistance still live here.

From the start, I’ve said: document, record, speak out—because that’s what we have. Those are our tools. Our rights are being violated—whether we’re citizens or not.

Let me be clear about what your city government is doing to protect you.

The Bell Gardens Police Department does not assist or work with ICE. Under California’s SB 54, our officers are prohibited from helping in federal immigration enforcement. They do not question individuals about immigration status. Our officers are trained to follow state law and are instructed to disengage from confirmed federal operations. Officers are also authorized to verify the identity and credentials of federal agents when public safety is at risk.

We’ve opened urgent conversations with legal counsel and neighboring cities to evaluate regional partnerships and explore potential legal action. Though we’re limited by law in some respects, we are pursuing every available option.

We’re also adapting our city programming. People are afraid to gather in public, and we understand that. We’re partnering with volunteers to deliver groceries, medication, diapers—whatever is needed—to those who feel unsafe leaving their homes. If you want to help, contact me. Let’s meet fear with compassion.

Out of an abundance of caution, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s 4th of July celebration. This was not easy, but the safety of our community must come first. We are also reviewing other events and will provide updates on our social media channels.

Key resources:

CHIRLA’s Immigrant Assistance Line: (888) 624-4752

CAIR Coalition Deportation Defense: www.caircoalition.org

Know Your Rights (ACLU): aclu.org/know-your-rights

Follow the City of Bell Gardens on Facebook and Instagram

This is a developing situation. But I took an oath to serve this community, my home. And in our home, we protect our people.

I will continue to stand with you—documented or undocumented. Bell Gardens sees you. Bell Gardens supports you. And I'll be right there with you.

As always, you can reach me directly at (323) 305-4567 or shoot me an email at Jchavez@bellgardens.org.

In solidarity,

Jorgel Chavez

Mayor, City of Bell Gardens