Immigration debate reaches Clovis

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Members of the Clovis City Council took on the immigration debate Monday night, but decided against taking a formal stance in support of immigration reform.

On Thursday, The Council of Fresno County Governments, or COG, will vote whether to send a letter to the U.S. Attorney General supporting immigration reform and opposing Arizona's controversial immigration law.

Monday, Clovis city leaders decided they want nothing to do with the letter. "The City of Clovis has enough challenges on its own with having to worry about what they're doing in Arizona or the federal government," said Clovis City Councilmember Bob Whalen.

Two members of the public who addressed the council agreed. "I don't see where Fresno or Clovis or any other city in the Central Valley has any right telling Arizona what to do to protect their citizens," said Clovis resident Doug Drozen.

"For the council to get involved in issues in Arizona I think is far reaching to what your duties are to the citizens of Clovis," resident Paul Hinkle told council members.

Clovis Mayor Pro-tem Jose Flores was the only council member to support the letter, saying something needs to be done. "Clovis is not an island. What happens in our community, what happens in our region, impacts us," said Flores.

Approval by COG requires a majority vote by its 15 member cities and the County of Fresno. The vote must also represent 40 percent of the county's population.

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clovis, fresno county, immigration reform, local, amanda perez

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