Pasadena Faces Backlash Over Proposed Motorola Contract

Residents urge city to reject deal over Motorola's ties to federal immigration enforcement

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:08am

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A cinematic painting of a lone Motorola radio tower standing in a quiet, desaturated urban setting, with warm diagonal sunlight and deep shadows enveloping the scene, conceptually illustrating the tension between Pasadena's purchasing decisions and its immigration policy.As Pasadena grapples with its ties to a tech company linked to federal immigration enforcement, the city's decision on a major radio contract will test its commitment to progressive policies.Pasadena Today

Pasadena residents are strongly opposing a proposed $3.53 million contract with Motorola Solutions for critical city radio equipment, citing the company's business relationships with federal immigration authorities. Many argue the deal would contradict the city's recent policy aimed at mitigating the impacts of federal immigration activity.

Why it matters

The debate over the Motorola contract highlights the tension between a city's purchasing decisions and its stated policy commitments, especially around sensitive issues like immigration enforcement. Pasadena's resolution to limit cooperation with federal immigration activities is now being tested by this proposed contract.

The details

The proposed agreement would allow Pasadena to purchase two-way radios, replacement parts and related services through a cooperative purchasing contract with Motorola Solutions over several years. City staff say the contract is necessary to maintain and replace critical communications equipment used by multiple departments. However, dozens of residents have submitted written comments urging the city to reject the deal due to Motorola's multi-million dollar contracts with federal immigration authorities.

  • On Feb. 23, the Pasadena City Council passed a resolution aimed at mitigating the impacts of federal immigration activity.
  • The proposed Motorola contract is scheduled to be considered by the City Council.

The players

Motorola Solutions

A major technology company that provides communications equipment and services, including multi-million dollar contracts with federal immigration authorities.

Pasadena City Council

The governing body of the City of Pasadena, California that is considering the proposed Motorola contract.

Pasadena Residents

Local community members who have submitted written comments opposing the Motorola contract due to the company's ties to federal immigration enforcement.

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What they’re saying

“City Council's words need to be backed by actions. Please reject the proposed Motorola contract and seek a different vendor that does not have millions of dollars of contracts with the Department of Homeland Security.”

— Katie Young, Pasadena Resident

“Approving the contract would send the message that the City is not sincerely committed to both the letter and spirit of its immigration-related resolution.”

— Jennifer Collins, District 5 Resident

“No more contracts with corporations committed to violence and greed.”

— Sabrina Jimenez, Pasadena Resident

What’s next

The Motorola contract is listed on the Pasadena City Council's consent calendar, meaning it could be approved without discussion unless pulled by a councilmember for separate consideration.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the difficult balance cities must strike between meeting critical operational needs and upholding their stated policy commitments, especially on sensitive issues like immigration enforcement. Pasadena's decision on the Motorola contract will be closely watched as a test of the city's resolve to follow through on its recent resolution.