Hello Family, Friends and Neighbors,
My heart breaks watching federal immigration raids unfold in our city. Like so many of you, my family came to this country from Mexico in search of a better future. The fear and unrest these actions have caused in our community – they weigh heavily on me.
In this challenging moment, I want to be unequivocally clear about where I stand as your mayor.
My commitment will always be to the dignity, safety, and unity of Santa Ana and to my constituents.
I do not support the ongoing immigration raids or the militarized escalation by the federal government in our streets.
Protesting is not a crime — it is your fundamental right under the First Amendment. I have stood alongside many of you in demonstrations for women’s rights, workers’ rights, and so many other marches and protests that we have been part of.
If you assemble to express your 1st amendment rights, I encourage you to do so peacefully and safely. Violence or property damage puts our community at risk and undermines our message.
Regarding ICE Enforcement, I want to be very clear that our city fully adheres to the California Values Act. We are not assisting, contracting with, or enabling federal immigration enforcement.
Regarding the National Guard, while I cannot order their withdrawal, my office, alongside local legislators, has been vocal in requesting an end to this militarization in our city.
I have been busy behind the scenes collaborating and meeting with:
- Federal and State leadership
- Faith-based leaders
- Union leaders
- Neighborhood leaders
And the business community.
Together, we are collaborating on how you can protect yourself and support others.
Please educate yourself and know your rights.
The City of Santa Ana website has a Know your Rights page. Please visit it.
The Orange County Labor Federation has a Know your Rights training. Please enroll and attend.
Our churches and non-profits have food resources. Please reach out.
Our community partners have volunteers ready to help our families in need.
While I know there have been some confrontations with law enforcement, the vast majority of those involved in the demonstrations, they have participated peacefully and without incident. And for that, I thank you for that.
If you choose to demonstrate, please do so peacefully and do not interfere with local law enforcement or federal officers. It’s so important that we remember that.
Please take care of each other, be safe, know your rights, and God bless all of you.
As your mayor, I will continue to work for you, with you, and to ensure that at the end of the day, we do right by each other and we take care of each other.
God bless you.