U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids are taking place in Orange County, officials confirmed on Monday.
“We are aware of ongoing immigration enforcement activity in the Santa Ana Civic Center area,” announced the Santa Ana Unified School District in an X post Monday evening. “We do not condone actions that disrupt our community or separate families.”
The Santa Ana Police Department and city officials also posted a joint statement on Instagram acknowledging the ICE activity, saying they are aware that the news causes “fear and uncertainty” for community members.
A spokesperson for the police department told KTLA that they were made aware of the ICE activity in their city because of “social media posts.” SAPD, similar to most other police departments in Southern California, reinstated that it does not participate in immigration enforcement efforts.
Although the specificities of these ICE activities have not been revealed by federal or law enforcement officials, Representative Lou Correa said he received reports that individuals in Orange County were being arrested for “doing nothing but standing outside and being profiled.”
Upon landing in Washington, D.C. on Monday, Rep. Correa issued a statement about the raids, saying, “It’s unacceptable, and shocking, that this is happening in my hometown of Santa Ana.”
“It appears agents are picking up hard-working, law-abiding taxpayers. Why?” read Rep. Correa’s press release, which also shared that the congressman would be immediately returning to O.C.
“Yesterday, everything was good and boring in Santa Ana. Everyone was going to church and going to the grocery store—it was a beautiful day. Today ICE is coming in to raid and disrupt our neighborhood? These are the parents whose children went to school with my kids. They take care of our elderly, mow our lawns, and are a part of the fourth largest economy in the world. This is inciting fear in our community,” continued the release.
Rep. Correa also urged that those who resist “unjust, illegal activity” do so peacefully, referring to lessons taught by Gandhi and MLK.
“You don’t take on a tank or an M16 by walking into it—you do it in a smart, legal, and safe way. Our future depends on a strategic, effective response. One that protects our kids, their future, and their rights.”
The congressman concluded his statement by asking the federal government to use restraint and “common sense,” to adhere to the Constitution and provide everyone with due process.
In a Monday evening press conference with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, she shared these values, saying, “Stop the raids, and give the power back to our Governor.”
SAUSD offered resources to those in the community, saying to contact your local school or visit www.sausd.us if you or someone you know needs support or information. “We stand with our community – today and always.”
The city of Santa Ana also provided resources, saying, “If you or someone you know has questions or concerns, contact your local Congressional office and visit the City’s Know Your Rights webpage at www.santa-ana.org/KYR for resources and information.” Rep. Correa also encouraged anyone with questions about their legal rights to reach out to his office.
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