Activists in Southern California are providing support to immigrant communities amidst ongoing immigration enforcement operations.
Enforcement Operations
Ron Gochez, a member of Unión del Barrio, stated that volunteers respond to operations continuously, receiving calls throughout the day and night. Civil rights groups documented at least 20 enforcement operations in a single day during the week. One reported incident in Montebello involved agents pursuing construction workers on a rooftop.
Community Impact and Response
Activists report that these operations have led to sustained fear within affected communities. For example, a barista from Vida Pura, an East L.A. coffee shop, stated her family closed their food truck due to fear. Another individual expressed concern that his U.S. citizen father could be targeted based on appearance and profession.
Gochez noted an increase in community response, with thousands of individuals reportedly patrolling areas across Southern California, from Riverside to Santa Barbara, San Ysidro, and Lancaster. He indicated that this organized community resistance has contributed to fewer apprehensions than intended by enforcement agencies.
The Vida Pura coffee shop displays a sign welcoming immigrants. A barista from the shop commented on the community's experience, stating, "Just knowing that people are living in fear right now, it's not fair," and advocating for unity and mutual protection.