Community leaders, legal experts, and policymakers on the Central Coast are preparing for the potential challenges faced by the estimated 44,000 undocumented residents in Santa Barbara County should a second Trump administration take office.
Last week, Supervisor Laura Capps and the County Commission for Women, along with other local organizations, hosted a workshop to review available resources and address concerns about immigrants’ rights. The event aimed to combat widespread fear and misinformation about immigration issues.
“Fear is a major factor right now,” Capps said. “It’s the challenge we face in the short term.”
Though these fears are understandable, Capps emphasized that the Central Coast is ready to provide leadership and resources to mitigate the impact on local communities.
Julissa Peña, Executive Director of the Immigration Legal Defense Center, reminded attendees that while California is a sanctuary state, immigration law remains complex, and undocumented individuals do not have a right to government-appointed legal counsel in deportation cases. Peña highlighted that the greatest need is legal representation and education about available pro-bono services for those facing deportation.
Jennifer Smith, Executive Director of the Legal Aid Foundation, also offers free legal services for immigration-related issues. Smith expects an increase in discrimination cases, including landlords threatening tenants based on their immigration status, as well as fraudulent “notary” services offering fake legal advice.
To help combat these issues, the Legal Aid Foundation will offer free consultations every Tuesday at the Franklin Center, where an attorney will assist individuals in determining eligibility for immigration remedies like special visas or advanced parole.
Importa Santa Barbara is another organization providing Department of Justice-accredited assistance for immigration matters, including DACA renewals and status adjustments. LEAP (Learn, Engage, Advocate Partners), a family resource center, helps families understand their rights, especially if faced with deportation.
“We believe it’s crucial for families to know their rights and how to respond if authorities come to their door,” said Ana Maya, LEAP Program Director. “Many of our families are dealing with significant emotions during this time.”
Jacqueline Inda of La Casa de la Raza emphasized the importance of relying on lessons learned during the first Trump administration. “We don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Our Latino community deserves an equal voice and equal access to power,” Inda said.
Inda also reassured the community that there are safe spaces where individuals can seek help without fear of deportation. ICE cannot detain people at schools, courthouses, hospitals, or faith-based organizations.
Santa Barbara County Undersheriff Craig Bonner addressed concerns about local law enforcement’s role in immigration enforcement. He clarified that state and local police do not inquire about immigration status or arrest individuals for immigration violations.
“This will not change with the shift in the federal administration,” Bonner stated. “Misinformation and fraud are a growing problem, and we must continue to reassure our community that local law enforcement does not enforce immigration laws.”
Bonner affirmed the Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to protecting all residents, regardless of their immigration status.
Santa Barbara Unified School District also does not cooperate with ICE and does not collect immigration status information during enrollment.
For many of the advocates at the workshop, the next four years will focus on reinforcing current policies and reviving successful programs, like the Drivers Listos initiative, which provides free transportation to appointments, and the Dream Center at Santa Barbara City College, which offers free immigration services to students enrolled in at least one class.
“We have a strong network of individuals dedicated to supporting each other, especially the most vulnerable,” Supervisor Capps said.
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- Deportation Plan Threatens a Range of Immigration Programs
