Pontiac Council Passes Resolution Opposing Deportations, Mayor Vetoes It

Pontiac Council Passes Resolution Opposing Deportations, Mayor Vetoes It

(Crystal A. Proxmire, Feb. 17, 2025, photo: Janelle Santacruzz)

Pontiac, MI – In a show of support for Pontiac’s immigrant community, Pontiac City Council unanimously passed a resolution “Expressing Opposition to Federal Government Raids, Deportations of our Pontiac Neighbors” at their Feb. 4 council meeting.  The resolution was subsequently vetoed by Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel.

The resolution stated:

“Whereas, the City of Pontiac is a richly diverse community, and has been for generations, with many neighbors who have come from other countries; and,

Whereas, the City of Pontiac is dedicated to the well-being and future of all residents and members of our community, including our neighbors who have immigrated to America and to Pontiac; and,

Whereas, leaders of the United States Government and the new Administration have spoken publicly about the intent to conduct immigration raids, undertake detention measures, and have threatened deportation of entire families; and,

Whereas, Pontiac residents have expressed their fear over the changing policies of the federal government, and there is growing anxiety about the prospect of federal agencies conducting raids within our Pontiac community and the detentions and deportations that could follow; now,

Therefore, Be It Resolved, the Pontiac City Council hereby expresses our opposition to the possibility of federal agencies conducting immigration raids into the City of Pontiac; and

further Resolved, the City Council stands in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors, who have contributed greatly to the City of Pontiac and have strengthened our neighborhoods and enriched our culture; and

further Resolved, the City Council requests that the City’s Administration consider steps that our municipal government can take to partner with community organizations and agencies that can help ensure our immigrant neighbors have improved access to legal aid services, can know their rights, and can protect their families’ well-being as much as possible given the evolving legal and policy landscape.”

The resolution was passed unanimously in the consent agenda portion of the meeting. No objection was raised at the meeting, but the resolution was vetoed afterword by Mayor Tim Greimel who sent an email to Council on Feb 13 stating “It is inappropriate for a governmental entity to obstruct, denounce, and/or oppose the enforcement of laws.”

A protest for immigrant rights was held in Downtown Pontiac the Sunday following the meeting.  One of the organizers, Katy Gaytan, spoke at the meeting to invite others.  “Together we are a family,” she said. “No matter what color you are, how tall you are, we should stand together and speak for those who do not have a voice… I’m doing this for the Hispanic community as many of us are getting separated from our families.”

Councilperson Mikal Goodman, who represents District Three, took part in the demonstration.  After learning of the veto he shared on Facebook “Mayor Tim Greimel’s veto of City Council’s resolution standing with our immigrant community is nothing but cowardly. Pontiac has always been a city of working people, of families looking out for each other, and of neighbors standing together. Turning our backs on part of our community isn’t just wrong—it’s dangerous.

“We all see what’s happening. They’re coming after Black and Brown folks, chipping away at our rights and calling it “government efficiency” and “national security.” They’re gutting DEI and calling it “fairness.” It’s all just a cover for pushing us down and keeping us divided.

“If we don’t stand up now, we’re opening the door for more attacks. If they think they can scare us into silence, they’ll keep coming. And if our leaders won’t fight, then what happens next? How much more vulnerable do we want to be over the next four years?

I won’t just sit back and let this happen. I’m working with folks in the community to take real action. We’re going to protect our neighbors, organize, and make sure Pontiac stays a city that stands up for its people—ALL its people.

They want us afraid. They want us divided. We’re not giving them that.“

Goodman also told Oakland County Times that “Many of the people in attendance were grateful that the city passed the ordinance, and now this is a massive slap in the face to them.”

One potential concern for cities are Trump administration efforts to withhold funding from “sanctuary cities.”

In 2017 President Trump attempted to block law enforcement grants for cities that had policies against helping federal agents identify and deport undocumented immigrants. The matter remained tied up in court through his term. More recently transportation funding has been tied to a similar requirement.

Council President Mike McGuinness, who represents District Seven, noted that Pontiac’s resolution was a symbolic one that would not have prevented police action.

He added that “Pontiac’s immigrant population is an important and valued part of our community.  Beyond any council resolutions or public statements, we want to be there for them during a time of upheaval. Our Hispanic neighbors have made Pontiac a stronger and better place; that has been true for over a century, that’s true today, and it’ll be true for the century still to come.”

Earlier this year, Mayor Greimel announced that he would not be seeking re-election. McGuiness is among several candidates running for that position this year.

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