Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty and Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes were overheard on a hot microphone discussing measures to prevent future disruptions at city council meetings. The candid conversation occurred moments after audience members forced officials to clear the council chambers during a heated debate over the city's participation in a regional intelligence-sharing center.
During the exchange, Talamantes is heard suggesting, "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…" McCarty replied that the city attorney had advised against such actions, but Talamantes countered that it had been done previously. McCarty expressed frustration, referencing past efforts to implement probationary measures for disruptive attendees.
The conversation, captured by a publicly available city council livestream, came after repeated outbursts disrupted a debate on continued funding for the Central California Intelligence Center (CCIC).
Immigration Debate and Disruptions
Dozens of speakers urged the council to reject the CCIC agreement, fearing it could facilitate information sharing with federal immigration authorities and undermine Sacramento's sanctuary city policies. Talamantes defended accepting federal funding, arguing that Sacramento's sanctuary status provided safeguards for immigrant communities.
"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."
Police officials present at the meeting disputed claims that Sacramento shares personal identifying information for civil immigration enforcement, asserting compliance with California's SB 54 sanctuary law.
As public comment became more intense, one speaker directed profanity at Mayor McCarty, demanding his attention. Talamantes also faced verbal attacks from attendees, including being called a "pick-me b----" and hearing shouts of "Shame on you."
Mayor McCarty issued a "final notice," stating that further outbursts would lead to the audience being removed. Shortly after, as disruptions continued, council officials recessed the meeting and cleared the chambers.
Officials' Statements on Meeting Procedures
Following the incident, Mayor McCarty released a statement clarifying that the private conversation focused on existing meeting procedures rather than new restrictions. "Every Tuesday, Vice Mayor Talamantes and I are responsible for overseeing and ensuring transparent, accessible, and open Council meetings," McCarty said. "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 City Attorney's Office declined to comment on McCarty's reference to legal advice.
The city's published meeting rules allow members of the public two minutes per agenda item, with a limit of speaking on no more than four items per meeting, designed to facilitate city business.
Activist Reactions
Some activists criticized the hot-mic exchange, with Joshua Masias of the Sac Immigration Committee telling The Sacramento Bee that Talamantes' comments suggested an "authoritative approach toward members of the public" and an attempt to "silence the crowd."
Resident Leanna Hunt, a vocal critic of the council, defended the protesters' frustration, stating, "I'm fed up. It's not even a tactic — I'm just tired of being treated like we are an audience and that the king is deigning to see us peasants today and when the peasants are unruly, the king gets upset."