In San Francisco’s Mission District, a group of immigrants gathered at the Women’s Building for a community meeting on Wednesday. The group, organized by Mujeres Unidas y Activas (MUA), a nonprofit that advocates for immigrant rights, usually discusses practical concerns like filing work papers or paying taxes. But this week’s meeting focused on more urgent matters—how to respond if confronted by police or immigration officers in the wake of the recent U.S. election.
With the re-election of Donald Trump, many attendees feared an intensification of immigration enforcement, recalling the harsh tactics used during his first term. Nearly 30 people from across the Bay Area attended, sharing their concerns about what lies ahead.
Alma Santana, MUA’s director of immigrant rights, said the conversation was rooted in practicality. Attendees discussed steps they could take to prepare for potential immigration raids: which documents to carry, how to present them if stopped by authorities, and the importance of knowing their rights—even if they are undocumented. Santana stressed that immigrants have the same rights as workers and human beings, regardless of their legal status.
“We wanted to stay calm and prepare for what’s to come,” said Santana, speaking in Spanish.
Many of those at the meeting were women, some already contemplating the possibility of returning to their home countries out of fear of deportation. Others were worried about the impact on their children, particularly the opportunities they might lose if their parents are deported. Santana and other group leaders emphasized the importance of building stronger connections with allies—especially legal experts—who can help fight back against coordinated efforts by federal and local law enforcement agencies, including ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
Sylvia Lopez, MUA’s civic participation coordinator, voiced concerns about an increase in violence and discrimination against undocumented immigrants, even in progressive areas like the Bay Area. She stressed the importance of communication with organizations like El Centro Legal de La Raza in Oakland, which can provide legal assistance in urgent situations.
To facilitate quick responses, MUA will rely on texting and WhatsApp to stay in touch with their clients. Lopez, who has over 20 years of experience organizing immigrant actions, remains confident in her group’s ability to defend the immigrant community. Their deep ties to local immigrants give them unique insight into the needs of those most at risk.
The California Immigrant Policy Center, which advocates for progressive immigration policies, also reacted to the election results. Executive director Masih Fouladi called the outcome “deeply disappointing” but vowed to continue resisting Trump’s policies. “We’ve been here before,” Fouladi said in a statement. “Together, we resisted his worst impulses. Now is the time to organize and build power.”
Local leaders in Oakland are also preparing for the potential impacts of a more aggressive federal immigration policy. Councilmember Janani Ramachandran, who represents District 4 and is the daughter of immigrants, expressed concern for Oakland’s immigrant communities. She recalled the climate of fear that emerged during Trump’s first term and emphasized that local officials must work together to protect the city’s sanctuary status.
Ramachandran, a former case manager and immigration attorney, said she will collaborate with other leaders to ensure that Oakland continues to resist deportations. “We must put aside political differences and align ourselves to protect our immigrant residents,” she said.
Ken Houston, who leads in the District 7 race, also pledged to prioritize immigrant protections. If elected, Houston said his office would limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to ensure undocumented residents feel safe accessing essential services and reporting crimes.
Iris Merriouns, who is still in the running for District 7, echoed similar concerns. She stressed the need to protect immigrants from exploitation, especially in an environment where they might be afraid to seek help. “We need to engage with the immigrant community and ensure they have the support they need,” she said.
Oakland has long been a sanctuary city, beginning with a 1986 resolution that welcomed immigrants and protected them from deportation. In response to Trump’s election in 2016, the city reaffirmed this status with a resolution guaranteeing that immigrants could live without the fear of being reported to ICE. Since then, the city has passed several measures to strengthen its commitment, including a ban on cooperating with ICE in any capacity.
As the Bay Area braces for potential increases in immigration enforcement, local leaders and immigrant advocates are working together to ensure that the city’s sanctuary status remains intact and that immigrant communities have the resources and support they need to navigate the challenges ahead.
Related topics:
- Trump’s Victory Sparks Urgent Focus on Immigration Crackdown
- Trump’s Victory Paves the Way for Major Overhaul of US Immigration Policies
- Angry Voters Turned to Trump Over Immigration Concerns
