Burbank officials consider sanctuary city status amid concerns over ICE actions

The Burbank City Council meeting held on February 4, 2025, featured a passionate public comment from resident Jason Lewis, who advocated for Burbank to declare itself a sanctuary city. Lewis expressed strong support for the city to take a stand against what he described as "incompetent neo-fascists" and emphasized the importance of protecting its citizens.

During his remarks, Lewis addressed concerns among council members regarding potential retaliation in the form of funding cuts. He reassured them by sharing his experience with a team that received a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy under the Inflation Reduction Act. He encouraged the council to continue filing necessary paperwork to secure their funding, asserting that it is their legal right.

Lewis also criticized the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), labeling their raids on schools and businesses as "domestic terrorism." He expressed pride in the Burbank Unified School District's stance against these raids, arguing that they instill fear rather than enforce immigration laws. He concluded his remarks by denouncing the harassment of community members and reaffirming Burbank's commitment to its residents.

The meeting underscored the ongoing discussions surrounding immigration policy and community safety, with Lewis's comments highlighting the local sentiment towards creating a supportive environment for all residents. The council's response to these issues remains to be seen in future meetings.