Key Takeaways
• Since June 9, 2025, over 100 people detained in Orange County immigration raids, many in Santa Ana.
• Santa Ana’s Mayor Amezcua opposes ICE raids and National Guard deployment, citing California Values Act protections.
• Community groups provide legal aid, support families, and organize vigils amid rising immigration enforcement fears.
Santa Ana Community Holds Vigil as Immigration Agents Intensify Raids in Orange County
On June 28, 2025, residents of Santa Ana came together for a candlelight vigil, gathering in a city park to honor and support loved ones detained by immigration agents. The event, filled with emotion and solidarity, reflected the growing concern and activism among families and neighbors in Santa Ana and across Orange County. As federal immigration enforcement actions have increased in recent weeks, the community has responded with public demonstrations, legal support, and calls for policy change.
This article explains what’s happening in Santa Ana, why it matters, and how it affects immigrants, their families, and the wider community. It also provides background on the laws involved, the roles of key officials, and practical steps being taken by local groups.
Federal Immigration Raids Spark Community Response
Since June 9, 2025, at least 100 people have been detained in immigration sweeps across Orange County, including many in Santa Ana. The Orange County Rapid Response Network, a local advocacy group, has been tracking these detentions and offering support to affected families. These raids have caused fear and uncertainty, especially for those with pending immigration cases or mixed-status families.
The June 28 vigil was just one of several recent events. Earlier in the month, on June 8, a large protest called the “No Kings” rally drew about 15,000 people to Anaheim’s La Palma Park. Protesters demanded an end to what they see as harsh federal immigration policies and called for more humane treatment of immigrants.
Why Are Immigration Agents Targeting Santa Ana?
Santa Ana has a large immigrant population and has long been a focal point for immigration enforcement. In early 2025, federal authorities increased the number of immigration agents in the area, focusing on people with outstanding deportation orders or those who missed court dates. However, many community members and advocates say that even people with legal status or pending documentation have been detained.
Immigration agents have been seen waiting outside immigration court hearings and check-ins, detaining people as they leave. This has created a climate of fear, with some immigrants afraid to attend their own court hearings. Missing a hearing can lead to a deportation order being issued without the person present, making the situation even more difficult.
City Leaders and Sanctuary Policies
Santa Ana’s city government, led by Mayor Valerie Amezcua, has taken a strong stand against the federal raids. Mayor Amezcua has publicly opposed the presence of immigration agents and the deployment of National Guard troops in the city. She has reassured residents that Santa Ana follows the California Values Act, also known as SB 54, which limits local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Key points about the California Values Act (SB 54):
– Local police and city officials are not allowed to help federal immigration agents with most enforcement actions.
– The law is meant to protect immigrants and build trust between communities and local law enforcement.
– However, federal agents can still operate independently and do not need local permission to conduct raids.
Despite these protections, many residents feel that the presence of immigration agents and National Guard troops has made the city feel less safe, not more.
Advocacy Groups and Community Defense
Groups like the Orange County Rapid Response Network have stepped up to help those affected by the raids. Sandra De Anda, the group’s program coordinator, says that volunteers document enforcement actions, connect detainees with lawyers, and provide support to families left behind.
Community defense efforts include:
– Legal aid: Helping detained individuals find attorneys and understand their rights.
– Know Your Rights education: Teaching immigrants how to respond if approached by immigration agents, including how to ask for a valid warrant.
– Material support: Delivering food and supplies to families whose main breadwinners have been detained.
– Vigils and protests: Organizing public events to raise awareness and show solidarity.
These efforts are meant to help people feel less alone and to push back against what many see as unfair or overly harsh enforcement tactics.
The Emotional Toll on Families
For many Santa Ana families, the fear of detention is constant. Some parents worry about being separated from their children. Others are afraid to go to work, school, or even the grocery store. The recent raids have made these fears more real.
At the June 28 vigil, people shared stories of loved ones taken by immigration agents. Some spoke about missing family members who were detained outside court hearings, even though they were following the legal process. Others described the stress of not knowing when—or if—their relatives would return home.
This emotional strain affects not just those directly involved, but the entire community. Children may struggle in school, neighbors may feel less connected, and trust in local institutions can be damaged.
Local and State Officials Respond
Mayor Valerie Amezcua has been vocal in her opposition to the raids and the militarized presence in Santa Ana. She has called for the withdrawal of National Guard troops and has reassured residents that the city will not cooperate with federal immigration agents.
State Senator Tom Umberg has also praised the work of community activists and the Orange County Rapid Response Network. He says their efforts help humanize those affected by immigration enforcement and bring attention to the real-life impacts of federal policies.
On the other hand, Orange County Mayor Dan Slater has stated that documented immigrants should not fear ICE raids. However, advocacy groups argue that even people with legal status or pending cases have been detained, challenging the idea that only undocumented immigrants are at risk.
How the California Values Act Works
The California Values Act (SB 54), passed in 2017, was designed to make California a “sanctuary state.” This means local police and city officials are limited in how much they can help federal immigration agents.
What SB 54 does:
– Stops local police from asking about immigration status during routine stops.
– Prevents local jails from holding people for ICE unless they have been convicted of certain serious crimes.
– Limits sharing of personal information with federal immigration authorities.
What SB 54 does not do:
– It does not stop federal agents from operating in California.
– It does not prevent ICE from making arrests in public places or outside court buildings.
For more details on the California Values Act and how it affects local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, you can visit the California Department of Justice’s official SB 54 resource page.
The Role of Immigration Courts and Legal Risks
Many immigrants in Santa Ana have pending cases in immigration court. Attending these hearings is important for their legal status, but the presence of immigration agents outside court buildings has made some people afraid to show up.
Risks of missing a court hearing:
– If someone does not attend their scheduled hearing, the judge can issue a deportation order “in absentia,” meaning the person can be removed from the United States 🇺🇸 without another chance to present their case.
– Missing a hearing can also make it harder to reopen a case or apply for certain forms of relief in the future.
Advocacy groups are working to educate people about their rights and encourage them to attend court, while also pushing for changes to enforcement practices that target people at or near court facilities.
National Guard Deployment and Community Tensions
The deployment of National Guard troops to Santa Ana has added to the sense of unease. While federal officials say the troops are there to support public safety, many residents and local leaders see their presence as an unnecessary show of force.
Mayor Amezcua and other city officials have called for the troops to be withdrawn, arguing that their presence only increases fear and tension in the community. Advocacy groups agree, saying that militarized enforcement does not make people safer and instead drives immigrants further into the shadows.
How Community Members Are Taking Action
Santa Ana residents are not just waiting for change—they are actively working to support each other and push for better policies.
Steps being taken include:
– Organizing vigils and protests to draw attention to the issue and demand change.
– Providing legal workshops to help immigrants understand their rights and prepare for possible encounters with immigration agents.
– Setting up hotlines and rapid response teams to document raids and connect families with resources.
– Delivering food and supplies to families affected by detentions, ensuring that children and other dependents have what they need.
These actions show the strength and resilience of the Santa Ana community, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
Multiple Perspectives: Officials, Advocates, and Residents
The situation in Santa Ana highlights the different perspectives on immigration enforcement:
- City officials like Mayor Amezcua are focused on protecting residents and upholding state laws that limit cooperation with federal agents.
- Advocacy groups emphasize the need for legal aid, education, and community support, arguing that current enforcement practices are too harsh and often target people who are following the rules.
- Federal authorities maintain that they are enforcing national laws and focusing on individuals with outstanding deportation orders or criminal records.
- Residents—especially those with mixed-status families—are caught in the middle, trying to balance the need to comply with the law and the fear of being separated from loved ones.
The Broader Context: Immigration Enforcement in Orange County
Santa Ana is not alone in facing these challenges. Across Orange County, immigration agents have increased their presence, leading to more detentions and greater anxiety among immigrant communities.
The Orange County Rapid Response Network and similar groups have expanded their efforts, working with local officials, lawyers, and volunteers to provide support and advocate for policy changes.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these community defense networks have become a vital part of the response to increased immigration enforcement, helping to protect the rights and well-being of immigrants and their families.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Santa Ana and Orange County?
The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing debates about the best way to balance public safety, legal compliance, and the rights of immigrants. Community activism and legal advocacy are expected to continue, with calls for reforms at both the local and federal levels.
Possible future developments include:
– Increased pressure from local officials on federal authorities to reduce militarized enforcement tactics.
– Continued monitoring and documentation of raids by advocacy groups, which could influence public opinion and policy decisions.
– More legal challenges to enforcement practices that target people at or near court facilities.
– Ongoing efforts to educate immigrants about their rights and provide support to families affected by detentions.
Practical Guidance for Immigrants and Families
If you or someone you know is affected by immigration enforcement in Santa Ana or Orange County, here are some steps you can take:
- Know your rights: You do not have to open the door to immigration agents unless they show a valid warrant signed by a judge.
- Attend your court hearings: Missing a hearing can result in a deportation order. If you are afraid to attend, contact a lawyer or a local advocacy group for advice.
- Seek legal help: Organizations like the Orange County Rapid Response Network can connect you with attorneys and provide support.
- Stay informed: Follow updates from the City of Santa Ana Mayor’s Office and trusted community organizations.
- Support each other: If you know a family affected by detention, offer help with food, childcare, or other needs.
For official information on immigration court procedures and schedules, visit the U.S. Department of Justice’s immigration court website.
Conclusion
The recent vigil in Santa Ana is a powerful reminder of the human impact of immigration enforcement. As immigration agents continue their activities in Orange County, the community has responded with solidarity, legal aid, and calls for change. Local officials, advocacy groups, and residents are working together to protect the rights of immigrants and support families facing uncertainty.
While the future remains uncertain, the actions taken by Santa Ana’s residents show that even in difficult times, communities can come together to support one another and push for a more just and compassionate approach to immigration.
If you need help or want to get involved, reach out to local organizations like the Orange County Rapid Response Network or check official resources for the latest updates and guidance.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
California Values Act (SB 54) → A 2017 law limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement in California.
Deportation order → A legal order requiring a non-citizen to leave the United States.
Immigration court → A specialized court where immigration cases and deportation hearings are held.
National Guard → Military reserve troops deployed locally to support public safety operations.
This Article in a Nutshell
On June 28, 2025, Santa Ana residents united in a vigil for detained immigrants amid intensified ICE raids across Orange County, highlighting community resilience and efforts for legal support and policy change.
— By VisaVerge.com
