Community members gather in support of families affected by ICE raids, pushing for the establishment of an emergency fund.
In response to fears of ICE raids, Santa Ana has created a $100,000 emergency fund to assist families facing financial hardships. Spearheaded by Mayor Valerie Amezcua, this fund aims to provide essential support for basic needs like food and rent. The initiative has garnered support from Santa Ana’s sister city, Sahuayo, which contributed an additional $50,000. Community members have expressed their concerns over ICE operations, prompting the City Council to reach a consensus on this crucial aid during recent discussions.
Santa Ana has taken a proactive stance in response to ongoing fears about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids by establishing a $100,000 emergency fund to help families facing financial hardships. This fund will provide crucial support for basic necessities such as food, rent, and utilities for individuals impacted by these immigration operations.
The initiative was spearheaded by Mayor Valerie Amezcua, who articulated that the city is facing a crisis due to the ongoing ICE actions in the community. In a show of solidarity, Sahuayo, Santa Ana’s sister city in Michoacán, Mexico, has pledged an additional $50,000 towards this emergency fund.
Amezcua emphasized the dire situation for families who may suddenly lose their primary breadwinner as a result of these raids. Many residents have expressed their fears and frustrations over the local ICE operations, which they estimate lead to the detainment of 20 to 30 individuals daily, thereby destabilizing families and the broader community.
At a recent City Council meeting, there was significant public outcry regarding Amezcua’s initial hesitation to address the immigration policy implications that are affecting so many local families. Around 120 protesters gathered outside City Hall to make their concerns heard, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures against these federal actions.
In her initial proposal, Mayor Amezcua suggested a more extensive $1 million aid program that would have required the cancellation of eight city-sponsored events, including cherished cultural festivals and holiday celebrations. However, Council Member Johnathan Hernandez strongly opposed this idea, advocating for the preservation of cultural events and proposing that the city could fund the emergency aid program through budget adjustments from vacant positions within the police department.
Following a heated debate, the City Council reached a consensus to fund the emergency program by reallocating 10% of budgeting from designated city-sponsored events, leading to the establishment of the $100,000 emergency fund. An additional motion will assess the effectiveness of the fund and explore potential increases in its resources within the next 90 days.
Concerns regarding how to create an accessible process for families to obtain aid were raised during discussions, emphasizing the community’s urgent need for support in light of recent detentions. Santa Ana’s fund initiative closely mirrors a similar program instituted in Anaheim, designed to assist families similarly affected by immigration enforcement.
In a broader context, the Santa Ana City Council unanimously approved a resolution to request federal records regarding ICE operations in the area. There was also a call on federal lawmakers to advocate for the removal of ICE and the National Guard from the city, addressing safety and economic stability concerns among residents.
The discussions within the council also touched on potential requests for data on ICE activities, raising apprehensions about sharing sensitive information publicly due to potential repercussions for families involved. To enhance transparency and safety, an ordinance requiring law enforcement officers to wear visible identification was proposed but remains under consideration for future meetings.
The establishment of the emergency fund responds to an urgent need within the community and stands as a testament to Santa Ana’s commitment to safeguarding its residents amid challenging times marked by fear and uncertainty surrounding immigration enforcement actions.
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