Glendale officials address immigration arrests and firearm fee lawsuit

Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian has addressed concerns regarding federal immigration enforcement operations within the city. Kassakhian stated that city officials lack the jurisdiction to intervene in these federal activities and do not cooperate with federal agencies in carrying out immigration enforcement.

The mayor noted a lack of transparency regarding the specific targets of these operations, which has caused anxiety within the local Armenian community. He reported that individuals seeking asylum or permanent residency are being detained, but city officials lack data on the total number of Armenian residents arrested because the federal government does not share information with the city.

Separately, the Justice Department has issued a notice to Glendale regarding its concealed-carry permit fees. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon has given the city until November 4 to negotiate a settlement or face a lawsuit. The legal challenge argues that the city’s fees—which can total approximately $2,000 for an initial license—are unconstitutional and serve as an abusive barrier to the Second Amendment right to bear arms.