In Orange County, California, a surge in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids has sparked a robust response from local communities, with churches, advocacy groups, and residents forming rapid-response networks to provide aid and protection to those affected.
As federal immigration enforcement intensifies, grassroots efforts are stepping up to fill gaps left by local government, offering food, legal support, and neighborhood watch systems to undocumented families facing heightened fears of deportation.
Since early June 2025, Orange County has experienced an uptick in ICE operations, with federal agents targeting public spaces such as Home Depots, car washes, and swap meets.
A notable incident in Santa Ana’s Artesia Pilar neighborhood on June 15 saw a local man detained while recycling bottles, an event that unfolded in just eight minutes, according to witnesses.
Another high-profile case involved Narciso Barranco, a 48-year-old landscaper and father of three U.S. Marines, who was violently arrested on June 21 in Santa Ana.
Videos of the incident, showing federal agents striking Barranco, went viral, fueling outrage and galvanizing community action.
The raids have had a chilling effect on local economies and daily life.
Swap meets, such as the one at Orange Coast College, have seen a significant drop in vendors and foot traffic, with some reporting a 50% reduction in activity.
Downtown Santa Ana businesses have also noted an 80% decline in customers since the National Guard was deployed near the Ronald Reagan Federal Building, where ICE offices are located.
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Grassroots Response: Aid Networks Take Shape
In response, community organizations and residents have mobilized to create a safety net for those targeted by ICE.
The Orange County Rapid Response Network (OCRRN) has been at the forefront, operating a hotline that fielded an unusually high number of calls in June, reporting arrests at various locations across the county.
The network provides legal aid referrals and encourages residents to record and report ICE activity, connecting detainees to resources via a dedicated phone number (9233#).
Churches in Santa Ana, a city with a majority Latino population, have also become sanctuaries of support.
On June 18, Sunday mass at a local church saw significantly reduced attendance, with ushers noting empty aisles due to fears of ICE presence.
Despite this, faith communities have rallied, with the Diocese of Orange issuing a statement on June 10 calling for humane enforcement practices that do not “spread crippling fear” among hardworking residents.
The United Across Borders Foundation, led by Erika Robles, has prioritized food security for undocumented families.
On June 18, volunteers were seen distributing rice and other essentials in Santa Ana, with Robles postponing her own wedding to focus on community needs.
“I’m not going to stop because I’m a fighter,” Robles told Voice of OC, emphasizing her commitment to supporting the Latino community amid the raids.
Local Government Responses Vary
While community groups have acted swiftly, local government responses have been mixed.
In Anaheim, officials launched the “Anaheim Contigo” website on June 19, providing information on immigrant rights and available resources.
The city has also implemented a mutual aid program to support families affected by the raids, though it has cautioned against a federal sweep notification system due to potential legal repercussions, citing a U.S. Attorney’s warning to Santa Ana.
In contrast, the City of Orange faced division when two councilwomen, Arianna Barrios and Ana Gutierrez, proposed adding immigrant resources to the city’s website.
The proposal was rejected by other council members, with Councilman Jon Dumitru arguing that immigration is a federal issue outside local jurisdiction.
Santa Ana, despite its sanctuary city status, has faced criticism for Mayor Valerie Amezcua’s limited engagement.
Residents and council members, including Jessie Lopez and Johnathan Hernandez, have called for more robust action, with some demanding the mayor’s resignation at a June 17 city council meeting.
Protests and Calls for Transparency
The raids have sparked widespread protests, with thousands participating in the “No Kings” demonstrations on June 14 across Orange County, including in Anaheim’s La Palma Park and along Pacific Coast Highway.
Protesters, supported by local leaders like Assemblyman Avelino Valencia, have demanded an end to the sweeps and greater transparency from federal authorities.
Congressman Lou Correa, representing Santa Ana, has expressed concerns about the lack of information on detainees’ whereabouts, noting that many are transferred to facilities like the Adelanto ICE Processing Center, which has seen its population rise from nearly empty to 1,200 in recent months.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has defended the raids, stating in a June 19 email that operations are “highly targeted” and involve “well-determined questions” to assess removability.
However, community leaders argue that the sweeps disproportionately affect non-criminal workers, such as day laborers and swap meet vendors, rather than the “criminals” cited by DHS and President Donald Trump.
A Call to ActionAs Orange County navigates this period of heightened enforcement, the resilience of its communities shines through.
From neighborhood watch systems to food banks and protest movements, residents are banding together to protect their neighbors.
Advocacy groups like OCRRN and Resilience OC’s Migra Watch urge vigilance and knowledge of legal rights, while local leaders like Correa push for federal oversight and accountability.
The situation remains fluid, with protests planned and aid networks expanding.
For now, Orange County’s undocumented residents and their allies are demonstrating that community strength can counter fear, even in the face of federal crackdowns.
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