Paso Robles mayor echoes DA’s stance on political protests, ICE-free zones
Paso Robles Mayor John Hamon addressed political protests and questions about “ICE-free zones” in a statement on Tuesday, supporting the position issued by San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow last week.
The statements come after ICE activity in SLO County and across the nation has sparked local protests and calls for ICE-free zones that would prevent federal immigration agents from detaining people on county property. Paso Robles has also seen tensions regarding ICE, including recent criticism of a sitting City Council member for her social media response to immigration enforcement activity.
During the past 13 months, ICE took 103 people into custody from SLO County, 805 UndocuFund rapid response organizer Cesar Vasquez said while speaking on a Diversity Coalition panel on Jan. 13. That total included 21 people from Paso Robles.
Amid local anti-ICE protests and sentiments, the District Attorney’s Office declared on Thursday that while it supports the right to protest, petition the government and exercise free speech in public forums, it will prosecute “unlawful” protest activity.
Hamon echoed that position in his Tuesday statement.
“As mayor of Paso Robles, I want to reaffirm my support for the constitutional rights of all individuals to peacefully assemble, speak freely and express their views,” he wrote. “Peaceful civic engagement is a vital part of our democracy and an important way for community members to make their voices heard.”
But public safety and “respect for the rule of law” should remain a top priority, Hamon said.
“While lawful protest is protected, behavior that becomes violent or criminal, will place people at risk and may result in arrest and prosecution,” he wrote. “I strongly encourage everyone to exercise their rights responsibly and with care for others in our community.”
On the topic of ICE-free zones, Hamon echoed Dow’s claim that local governments can’t prevent immigration enforcement from carrying out federal policy.
“Federal law applies nationwide, and local governments do not have the authority to prohibit lawful federal enforcement activity,” Hamon wrote. “While such terms may reflect values or concerns, they do not override federal jurisdiction.”
Hamon encouraged Paso Robles residents to continue their civic engagement “peacefully, respectfully and safely.”
“As mayor, I remain committed to protecting constitutional rights, supporting public safety, and ensuring equal justice under the law for all,” he said.
Paso Robles City Council hears comments about ICE
The Paso Robles City Council heard comments about ICE at its Jan. 14 meeting, with one councilmember receiving both support and criticism for her response to immigration enforcement activity on social media.
Community member Michael Rivera called out Councilmember Kris Beal for a post she made on social media commending the efforts of volunteers and protesters and encouraging people to “bear witness” to ICE activity in Paso Robles. Rivera said Beal should either be censured or should resign from the council as a result.
Several other speakers defended Beal.
Stephen Dritz, who said he is a resident of the district Beal represents, spoke in support of Beal.
“I really appreciate what a wonderful job Kris Beal has done representing our entire community. She is honest, she is kind, and kindness is something that we don’t have enough of these days,” he said.
Beal took the opportunity after public comment to address the concerns about her social media post.
“To be clear, I do not support or encourage interfering with law enforcement,” Beal said. “The online piece that spurred the outrage misrepresented my position in its headline, and it buried my actual words at the end of the article.”
Beal’s post was reported on by Cal Coast News in December, with a headline that said Beal “supports interfering with ICE agents.”
“Here’s what I wrote,” Beal said, going on to read her post during the meeting. “’I am so proud of all the volunteers and caring neighbors. If you hear the horns, whistles, bullhorns, go to them and bear witness.’”
Beal said she has a responsibility as an elected official to see what is happening in the community firsthand. After hearing about immigration activity occurring in Paso Robles that morning, she went to the location to observe.
Beal commended Paso Robles police for their response to the incident.
“The local police response was proportional, it was professional, it was respectful,” she said. “Officers did not cooperate nor impede with the federal agents or the protesters. The situation came and went without escalation, and without incident.”
Beal said the coverage of her post resulted in name-calling and accusations of treason.
“This whole incident is a reminder that as a community, we have different worldviews and opinions, but despite these differences, we are still neighbors, and we should not be painted as enemies,” Beal said. “And we all have the responsibility to tell the truth.”
Stephanie Zappelli contributed reporting to this article.
