Indio Council directs city attorney to file FOIA request with DHS for aggregate data on residents taken into custody

Councilmember Oscar Ortiz asked the council to formally request transparency from the Department of Homeland Security about residents taken into custody in Indio, citing reports of families who do not know where relatives have been detained and alleging poor treatment in facilities. Ortiz proposed tailoring the request to seek aggregate data (counts, immigration status categories, detention locations, durations and case outcomes) that would not reveal personal identifiers but would help the city plan responses and support services.

A dozen public commenters — including nonprofit leaders, chamber representatives and residents — gave emotional testimony describing fear, trauma and local incidents; speakers called transparency a first step to inform schools, nonprofits and service providers. Councilmembers debated whether the city had jurisdiction, how the data would be used and whether federal authorities would respond. City staff provided an example (Santa Ana) in the meeting packet and noted staff could draft a FOIA request if directed.

After discussion the council took a roll‑call vote on a motion to direct the City Attorney to file a FOIA request on behalf of the full Council for aggregate information covering the year 2025. The vote passed 3–2: Councilmember Miller and Mayor Holmes voted No; Councilmember Wheat Thorne, Councilmember Ortiz and Mayor Pro Tem Furman voted Aye. The City Attorney was directed to prepare and send the request and to report back to council on any response.