A hot mic caught a conversation between the mayor and vice mayor of Sacramento, California, that was never supposed to be heard by the public, but has exposed the two for conspiring together to violate the right to freedom of speech for those who want to express their opinions during town meetings. The discussion took place after a heated argument related to the issue of immigration quickly turned into chaos.
“We should go over this disruptions thing, because if we want to ban somebody in the future, like to take them out, we have to point out specifically…” Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes can be heard saying on the video clip. “I know, but the city attorney said we can’t do that,” Mayor Kevin McCarty responded. “We did it last time,” Talamantes said.
“We can’t,” McCarty old Talamantes, as he shook his head. “I spent my first six months going over this. I wanted to give people, like, probation, like, you can’t come…” that’s when Talamantes became aware the microphone was still live and quickly reached over to mute it before continuing with the conversation, according to a livestream clip of the incident reviewed by Fox News.
According to the report, the awkward and troubling exchange took place after the Sacramento City Council recessed and ordered the public to be removed from the chambers after several disruptions occurred during a very heated debate on the city’s continued participation in a regional intelligence-sharing center.
“The city of Sacramento is a sanctuary city,” Talamantes stated during the meeting. “If we don’t pass these dollars, other counties will apply for these dollars, they will get those dollars, and we will have no safeguards to protect our immigrant communities here in Sacramento.” Dozens of individuals spoke out and urged the council to reject the agreement.
The speakers argued that the intelligence center could facilitate information sharing with federal immigration authorities that would violate the city’s sanctuary city policies. Police officials attempted several times to dispute the claims during the meeting, informing council members that Sacramento doesn’t give out personal identifying information for federal immigration enforcement and is in full compliance with the Golden State’s sanctuary city law.
As public comments delivered during the meeting continued to grow hostile, one individual repeatedly demanded that McCarty pay attention. “Kevin, I need your f—ing eyes. Kevin, listen to me. Stop being an a–hole, dude. Listen to your f—ing constituents,” the speaker screamed. “You’re a pick-me b—-,” one attendee yelled at Talamantes, while others repeated cries of, “Shame on you.”
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“This is the final notice,” the mayor told the rowdy individuals. “We’re going to continue with the deliberation, and if there’s any more outbursts, we’re gonna have to ask the audience to leave.” Things only got more intense from there. “You can’t do this behind closed f—ing doors!” one attendee shouted at the city council.
When asked about his comments following the meeting, McCarty said the conversation about limiting speech was focused on existing meeting procedures, not new restrictions. “Every Tuesday, Vice Mayor Talamantes and I are responsible for overseeing and ensuring transparent, accessible, and open Council meetings,” McCarty wrote in a statement to Fox News.
“Unfortunately, when meetings are repeatedly disrupted, we must discuss existing policies and rules to ensure Council meetings remain effective, orderly, and respectful for both the residents in attendance and the Councilmembers. We are committed to ensuring that all members of the public can access and engage safely without distraction or intimidation,” the statement concluded.
Featured Image: screenshot from embedded video