After ICE Costume Scandal and Election Power Shift, Planning Commissioner Resigns
A Whittier Planning Commissioner who sparked controversy over an ICE-themed costume party video has resigned — three days after the election, where the City Council majority that had repeatedly declined to act on calls for his removal were voted out.
A Whittier Planning Commissioner has resigned following months of controversy over an ICE-themed costume, and just days after voters removed the City Council majority that had declined to act on calls for his removal.
The controversy began when a video surfaced showing Commissioner Richard Quirk and his husband dressed as an ICE agent and an undocumented immigrant at a costume party. The video drew criticism from residents and sparked calls for Quirk’s resignation.
In July 2025, Councilmember Mary Ann Pacheco held a press conference outside City Hall, calling for Quirk’s removal and describing the video as offensive and out of step with the community.
In an interview, his husband said the costume was intended as a joke.
“That was a parody,” he said, adding that he would not wear the costume again today.
He also argued the backlash was politically motivated and targeted them as openly gay conservatives. Pacheco rejected that explanation, framing the issue as one of community impact and public responsibility.
Aside from Pacheco, the rest of the City Council did not take action.
Months of pressure, no decision
In the months that followed, residents repeatedly raised concerns at City Council meetings, submitted public comments, and called for Quirk’s removal. Some also disrupted Planning Commission meetings to confront him directly.
Despite sustained pressure, the issue remained unresolved.
Ethics gap identified — but not addressed
Pacheco later requested a review of the city’s ethics policies for appointed officials, including commissioners.
In November 2025, she directed staff to prepare a report outlining existing standards and potential updates.
The report found that while Whittier requires financial disclosures and biennial ethics training, it does not have a standalone code of ethics governing the conduct of board and commission members.
A staff report was scheduled for February 2026 but was pushed to a future meeting and has not returned to the council agenda.
The report also reviewed other Southern California cities — including Santa Ana, Torrance, and West Hollywood — where ethics policies go further, outlining expectations for professionalism, conduct, and accountability, along with enforcement mechanisms.
Whittier has not adopted a comparable code.
Resignation follows election shift
The controversy extended into early 2026 without resolution.
Then, in the April 14 election, voters removed Mayor Joe Vinatieri and Councilmembers Fernando Dutra and Octavio Martinez from office, shifting the balance of power on the City Council.
Three days later, Quirk resigned from the Planning Commission, effective immediately.
Pacheco called the resignation “a step in the right direction.”
It is unclear who will be appointed to fill the vacancy.
