1 week ago
1
Opposition to an Escondido Police Department contract allowing ICE agents to use the department’s outdoor training facility appears to be gaining steam with the submission of a letter Monday signed by 33 regional elected officials.
“City leaders are being called to reduce harm from masked federal agents acting without accountability,” said Oceanside Councilmember Eric Joyce, who signed the letter, in a written announcement released by the group Sowing Seeds of Dignity.
“It is my hope that Escondido’s leaders find a way to end the contract with ICE as a means to hold public trust and reduce harm across all of our communities,” Joyce said.
The one-year contract signed Jan. 14 and effective Jan. 15 is on the Escondido City Council’s agenda for a review and discussion Wednesday at what is likely to be a crowded session with numerous people speaking on the issue.
The group also is organizing a rally and news conference outside Escondido City Hall before the 5 p.m. Wednesday council meeting.
““We are sending this letter today to the Escondido City Council because the continued use of the Escondido firing range only magnifies the harmful impacts of ICE, not just in the city of Escondido, but throughout the county,” said Vista Councilmember Corrina Contreras, another signer, in the release. “We are urging the (Escondido) council to terminate the agreements for the benefit of all our constituents in the county.”
The joint letter also asks E...
English (US) ·