Phoenix renames Cesar Chavez Day, imposes limits on ICE

By Chris Woodward
The Center Square

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with the Phoenix City Council vote on U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement activities.

The Phoenix City Council voted unanimously Wednesday afternoon to rename Cesar Chavez Day as Farmworkers Day and rename facilities and streets named after the United Farm Workers cofounder.

The action followed this week’s rapidly growing trend across Arizona and California to remove Chavez’s name wherever it appears, following allegations that he raped United Farm Workers cofounder Dolores Huerta and two girls. Chavez was a Yuma, Ariz. native who died in 1993 and cofounded the UFW union.

Council members Wednesday also voted 8-1 in favor of a proposal limiting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Phoenix.

The council’s vote on Chavez came on the same day that an Arizona Senate committee, meeting elsewhere in Phoenix at the Capitol, voted to advance legislation to repeal the holiday on a statewide basis.

In addition to the city of Phoenix’s decision to rename the holiday, Mayor Kate Gallego said the city will begin a process to remove a plaque honoring Chavez. She added the city will rename its facilities and remove street signs bearing his name.

“First, we stand with victims and survivors, as I can’t imagine the courage it took for them to share their truth, and I’m deeply grateful,” said the mayor. “We also stand with the thousands of people whose voices and advocacy built the farmworker movement.”

Gallego went on to say that “the actions of one individual do not define their success or their power.”

During a public comment period, one resident named Feliciano urged the city to wait and asked why an investigation into the Chavez allegations had not been conducted.

“That should be concerning for everyone regardless of politics,” said Feliciano, whose last name was not stated clearly.

“In America, we believe in due process,” said Feliciano, who went to Cesar Chavez High School in Phoenix. “We don’t believe in judgment; we don’t rewrite history based on incomplete information.”

During her remarks at the meeting, Councilmember Anna Hernandez said American leaders “have a long history of ignoring the experiences of sexual violence that women have faced.” Hernandez added that people need to be held accountable.

“As a council member, it is my responsibility to push this city to take action, to find resources for survivors, to find resources to teach men and boys not to be trash,” said Hernandez. “I will be voting yes with the expectation that we are going to take material steps to end sexual and domestic violence against women and girls.”

Regarding ICE, city council members approved a Community Transparency Initiative that requires federal law enforcement officers to obtain permission from the city before conducting activities.

“All of us are aware of the many civil rights abuses and blatant illegal activity that far too many have experienced” at the hands of ICE, Gallego said, citing Portland and Chicago. She also pointed to Minneapolis, where federal immigration officers killed U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

“Even here in Phoenix,” said the mayor about questionable ICE activities. “It’s un-American, it’s shameful, it doesn’t make us safer, and we have to be prepared if we’re next” on ICE’s list.

In February, Gallego put an item before the council to begin adopting policies that the mayor said would prepare for a possible escalation of ICE operations. For the last 45 days, the mayor and city council members have been meeting with community members to hear their concerns and ideas. That, said the mayor, has helped city officials end up in a better place.

“I think staff has done an excellent job of addressing the priorities we set forth and coming up with a plan to move forward,” said Gallego. “This is not the end of the road on this topic. We’re going to remain vigilant and learn and do as much as we can to make sure that ICE agents who violate the law, who are needlessly violent with protesters, will be held to account.”

The city council heard from more than a dozen speakers during a time for public comments.

One man, whose first name is Rafael but last name wasn’t stated clearly, said the United States is made up of immigrants.

“ICE treats us like we’re irrelevant beings. It’s unacceptable,” said Rafael. “I have no faith, federally, but in you guys I do.”

Annette Musa, a member of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce board, thanked city leaders for “working to stay ahead of escalation” should it come to Phoenix.

“We look forward to regular reports on this work as well as how the business community can contribute to a safe and prosperous Phoenix,” said Musa.

Before the council meeting, Arizona Senate Majority Leader John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, said the city doesn’t have the ability to impose restrictions on a federal agency. He called Phoenix’s measure “illegal,” “grandstanding virtue signaling” and “meaningless” during a Center Square interview. He said the city has no control over what ICE does in public places.