Statement | Clarifying My Words Regarding Immigration Enforcement in the City (1.14.26)

Federal immigration enforcement came to Paso Robles. In December, I was notified by residents that they were in District 1. I went to observe so that I could see first-hand the activity and the response of our local police department. I posted about this on social media and this spurned a misleading story by a local online outlet which invited both negative and positive comments.

Listen to Public Comment (46:00) and My Statement (1:09) at the January 14, 2026 Council Meeting on the City YouTube Channel.

Below is my statement that I offered at City Council on January 14, 2026.

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To be clear, I do not support or encourage interfering with law enforcement.

The online piece that spurred the outrage misrepresented my position in its headline and buried my actual words at the end of the article.

Here’s what I wrote: “I am so proud of all the volunteers and caring neighbors. If you hear the horns, whistles and bullhorns, go to them and bear witness.” To bear witness means to share one’s truth or experience. To bear witness means to observe first hand to provide testimony – to be a truth teller from first hand experience.

I learned that morning that there was possible federal immigration enforcement in town. As an elected, I have a responsibility to know what’s happening first hand. Just as I visit different areas to observe unsafe intersections, parking conflicts, stormwater concerns, and many other things, I went to a potential enforcement area to possibly observe.  

I am proud of how the officers and shift supervisors managed the morning, and I want to commend the Police Department and Chief for the planning and training that contributed to the favorable outcome. 

PRPD response was proportional, professional, and respectful. Officers did not cooperate nor impede with the Agents or protestors. The situation came and went without escalation or incident. 

I am not alone in my assessment. Others who were observing from a distance were also impressed by PRPD response. Thank you.

This is the value of bearing witness. First hand truth tellers - especially now - are key for developing public trust and protecting public safety.

I want everyone to understand that this misleading piece, unsurprisingly, provoked an ugly and dangerous response. I’ve been called the most vile names a woman can be called. One local business owner said I’m guilty of treason. Others continued to stir the pot even though they knew I did not say what I was accused of. This is dangerous and should not be tolerated.

I also received respectful and concerned communications which I gladly responded to, in addition to many supportive communications.

This whole incident is a reminder that as a community, we have different world views and opinions. But despite these differences, we are still neighbors, and we should not be painted as enemies. And we all have a responsibility to tell the truth.

As a leader, I am intentional about how I spend my time and energy, and the most important work happens in-person. Let’s build on our successes and common ground and continue to create the kind of community we want for our families and the next generations.  I’m proud of our city and honored to serve.