Resolution 15424CITY OF ALAMEDA RESOLUTION NO. 15424
SUPPORTING UNITED STATES S. 3036, THE KEEP FAMILIES
TOGETHER ACT, TO LIMIT THE SEPARATION OF FAMILIES AT OR
NEAR POINTS OF ENTRY
WHEREAS, Alameda's Resolution Number 15225 as a Sanctuary City affirms
the City of Alameda's commitment to the values of dignity, inclusivity, and respect for all
individuals, regardless of ethnic or national origin, gender, race, religious affiliation,
sexual orientation, or immigration status; and
WHEREAS, the City of Alameda's Sanctuary City Resolution states that the
conflation of federal civil immigration law enforcement and local criminal law
enforcement experienced in other communities has resulted in considerable erosion of
public safety by creating social distance between law enforcement officers and the
community. It further states that Alameda's Resolution was adopted to address the
fears and concerns of our residents in relation to an individual's religious affiliation, race,
national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, or immigration status; and
WHEREAS, on April 6, 2018, the United States Department of Justice
announced a zero -tolerance policy for criminal illegal entry, which prohibits both
attempted illegal entry and illegal entry into the United States by an alien. The U.S.
Attorney General stated this escalated effort supersedes existing policies and was
necessary to prosecute those who choose to illegally cross our border; and
WHEREAS, as a result of the zero -tolerance policy, the Department of Homeland
Security reported that 2,342 children were separated from their parents at the border
between May 5 and June 9, 2018; and
WHEREAS, while the Department of Homeland Security reported that many
Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) have been reunited with their families, they have
also reported that many UAC remain separated from their families, and it is uncertain if
the separation of families at our border has ended; and
WHEREAS, S. 3036 was introduced in the Senate of the United States on June
7, 2018, and would allow Congress to codify that families are not separated except in
extraordinary circumstances, for example if there is reason to believe a child is being
trafficked or abused; and
WHEREAS, S. 3036 promotes family unity by prohibiting officials from removing
children from their parents or legal guardians, except in extraordinary circumstances. S.
3036 requires officials to complete child welfare training on an annual basis. S. 3036
establishes a preference for family unity, discourages the separation of siblings, and
creates a presumption that detention is not in the best interest of families and children.
S. 3036 requires officials to develop policies allowing parents and children to locate
each other and reunite if they have been separated. S. 3036 requires an annual report
on the separation of families; and
WHEREAS, the Keep Families Together Act is supported by nonpartisan child
welfare organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, Kids In Need of
Defense, Children's Law Center, and the Women's Refugee Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of
Alameda that the Council supports family unity, respect for all individuals, and efforts by
the Unites States Senate to limit the separation of families at or near ports of entry.
I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and
regularly adopted and passed by the Council of the City of Alameda in a regular
meeting assembled on the 4th day of September 2018, by the following vote to wit:
AYES: Councilmembers Ezzy Ashcraft, Matarrese, Oddie, Vella and
Mayor Spencer — 5.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTENTIONS: None.
IN WITNESS, WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal
of said City this 5th day of September 2018.
Lara Weisiger, G"t Clerk
City of Alameda
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
C
JanetO!Kern, City Attorney
City of Alameda