City Council: We Will Not Allow Pasadena To Be a City Under Siege

In an explicit joint statement released Thursday evening, members of the City Council said they will not allow Pasadena to be under siege by the Federal administration.

“Our community is stronger than fear, stronger than intimidation, and stronger than any attempt to divide us,” the statement reads. “We will not be baited by fear-based tactics. We will respond with unity, dignity, and unwavering resolve.”

The statement came as 700 Marines deployed by President Trump reportedly completed nonlethal weapons training in Seal Beach and prepared to arrive in Los Angeles on Friday morning.

Earlier in the day on Thursday, a crowd of more than 100 rallied at Pasadena City Hall to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), delivering speeches, and later marched two blocks to the Westin Pasadena hotel to demonstrate against federal agents reportedly staying there as guests.

According to the Council’s statement, the confirmed presence of Federal Protective Services officials in Pasadena has had a powerful and traumatic impact — “especially on the immigrant community.”

“Let’s be clear: the continued immigration raids and reckless actions by the Federal administration in Los Angeles and across the country are not about public safety. These tactics are meant to provoke fear, intimidate communities, and expand presidential power beyond constitutional limits,” the statement read.

On Tuesday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass implemented an 8:00 p.m. through 6 a.m. curfew for parts of downtown LA. 

Meanwhile, some local businesses continue to reduce their hours and see fewer customers due to fear and paranoia.

The rising tensions and their fallout come as the community continues to recover from the trauma, grief, and disruption caused by the devastating Eaton Fire.

Established City Policy prohibits Pasadena police officers from assisting with or actively cooperating with federal officials involved in the enforcement of federal immigration laws.

“As you gather in peaceful protest to stand with our immigrant neighbors and uphold the most fundamental principles of due process and human rights, we stand with you,” the statement read. “Let us continue to show up with strength, compassion, and care for one another.”

“To everyone in our city—especially those who feel afraid or targeted—know this: you belong here. Pasadena remains steadfast in our commitment to the dignity, well-being, and safety of all our residents. 

We will get through this—together.”

The statement was signed by Mayor Victor Gordo, Vice Mayor and Jess Rivas, and five other Councilmembers, but not by Councilmember Gene Masuda.

The statement in full appears below:

Statement on Federal Activity and Community Reassurance in Pasadena  

This past Sunday morning, we received and confirmed reports that officials from  Federal Protective Services, a component of the Department of Homeland Security, were  present in the City of Pasadena. While no enforcement actions were carried out within  our city, their presence has had a powerful and traumatic impact—especially on our  immigrant community.  

Let’s be clear: the continued immigration raids and reckless actions by the Federal  administration in Los Angeles and across the country are not about public safety. These  tactics are meant to provoke fear, intimidate communities, and expand presidential  power beyond Constitutional limits.  

These developments now unfold against an increasingly alarming backdrop: peaceful  protests in defense of immigrant rights, our Constitution and American values; the  unlawful federalization of National Guard troops over the objections of Governor  Newsom; and the unwarranted deployment of active duty Marines to Southern  California. Just this morning, yet another deeply troubling incident occurred when  United States Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed and handcuffed at a press  conference held by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, despite clearly identifying himself as a  U.S. Senator, while attempting to ask a question about the administration’s ongoing  mass deportation efforts. This is not only an egregious violation of the Senator’s rights —it is an assault on transparency, accountability, and the core tenets of our democracy.  

These actions do not make us safer—they heighten tensions, re-traumatize vulnerable  communities, and threaten us all by eroding the rule of law.  

At the same time, our community continues to recover from the trauma, grief, and  disruption caused by the Eaton Fire. We recognize how these overlapping crises are compounding stress and fear, especially for our immigrant neighbors, both documented  and undocumented.  

Let us be absolutely clear: in accordance with established City Policy, the Pasadena  Police Department will not assist with or participate in the enforcement of federal civil  immigration laws.  

We will not allow our Pasadena—our home—to be a city under siege. Our community  is stronger than fear, stronger than intimidation, and stronger than any attempt to  divide us. We will not be baited by fear-based tactics. We will respond with unity,  dignity, and unwavering resolve.  

To everyone in our city—especially those who feel afraid or targeted—know this: you  belong here. Pasadena remains steadfast in our commitment to the dignity, well-being,  and safety of all our residents.  

As you gather in peaceful protest to stand with our immigrant neighbors and uphold  the most fundamental principles of due process and human rights, we stand with you.  Let us continue to show up with strength, compassion, and care for one another.  

We will get through this—together.  

Sincerely,  

VICTOR M. GORDO
Mayor

JESSICA C. RIVAS  
Vice Mayor  

TYRON HAMPTON
Councilmember, District 1

RICK COLE
Councilmember, District 2  

JUSTIN JONES  
Councilmember, District 3 

STEVE MADISON
Councilmember, District 6  

JASON LYON  
Councilmember, District 7