Waive sanctuary city law requirements for Motorola police and fire equipment

Police & Community SafetyGovernanceFinance Department

In Plain English

Richmond's 2018 sanctuary city law prohibits contracts with companies that help immigration enforcement. Motorola provides data services to immigration agencies but also makes essential radio equipment for police and fire departments. If approved, the city continues buying Motorola radios because no other company offers compatible equipment for emergency responders.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

To approve the item and adopt Resolution No. 50-25

Moved by: Sue WilsonSeconded by: Claudia Jimenez

Passed

6 to 0

Soheila BanaAye

Jamelia BrownAye

Claudia JimenezAye

Sue WilsonAye

Cesar ZepedaAye

Eduardo MartinezAye

Doria RobinsonAbsent

Why This Vote Matters

The council voted with broad support to waive its sanctuary city contracting rules for Motorola Solutions, allowing the city to continue doing business with the company despite its involvement in federal immigration enforcement. The waiver was granted because no reasonable alternative vendors are available for the services the city needs from Motorola. This represents an exception to the city's policy of limiting business relationships with companies that assist federal immigration authorities. The vote was 6-0 with one member absent.

Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.

Approve the item as presented