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Members of the community have expressed concerns or asked questions regarding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) having a facility located in the city limits of the City of Paramount. Some have called for the City to cancel a contract the City is alleged to have with either DHS or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In calling for the cancellation, some are citing the City of Glendale as an example of cancelling such contracts. We are issuing this statement to clarify with all interested parties what the facts are regarding the DHS facility in Paramount.
We want to explain the truth clearly:
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- The City of Paramount does NOT have any contract with DHS or ICE. So, there is no contract to cancel.
- DHS made a leased agreement with the private person or private company who owns the property in Paramount. The City was never part of that deal and did not help choose the location.
- According to an LA Times report, Glendale PD had a contract to let DHS use their city jail to house ICE detainees. Paramount doesn’t have a jail and has never made any deal like that.
- The City of Paramount does not help with immigration enforcement. We are not allowed by State law to do that, and we don’t work with DHS or ICE on those matters.
- The Paramount City Council has never suggested we support immigration enforcement work.
We understand this is a deeply sensitive issue for many. The City remains committed to transparency and the safety and well-being of all residents – regardless of immigration status. We encourage residents to reach out to City Hall directly for questions or information about City services and partnerships. We can be reached at (562) 220-2027.
