07/21/2026
I issued this statement more than a year ago about ICE activity across the country and here in Orange County. Unfortunately, that statement is still relevant as ICE activity is still active and pernicious. Indeed, since that time, we have seen things get much worse in some places, with at least two Americans shot dead in the street while protesting ICE activity.
Folks may have heard that there was ICE activity on Friday near Tustin High School. Unfortunately, all the evidence has shown is an unnecessary level of violence by ICE agents and unnecessarily aggressive interactions with local residents who were awakened by the early morning activity and observing the events. And moreover, it continues the fear that is unnecessarily being instilled in our immigrant communities. I can be grateful only in that it appears that Tustin PD responded only as a result of the traffic hazard that had been created, the Tustin PD officers tried to work professionally with the community.
I can only reiterate this statement again now 13 months later, and work with the Tustin PD to ensure that they continue to abide by the California Values Act and make sure when events like this happen and they have to clean up the mess that ICE cause, they work with the community. Most importantly, we need to make sure that the Tustin PD is working with the TUSD to ensure that when these things happen near schools, we are able to protect the kids coming into and from our schools. I know that Tustin PD is already working on these issues and am confident that we will take any additional steps that might be necessary.
In the meantime, I encourage members of the Tustin community to make their voices heard on these issues at all levels, whether to the President or Congress or at the local City Council meetings. I will be addressing this more at the City Council meeting tonight at 6 PM.
I ran for the Tustin City Council to develop our local economy and build a community for families and kids. Those local issues have been my focus for the last six months, and what I want to be working on for you.
But over the last week, actions by ICE have caused fear and anxiety throughout Orange County. This fear is not limited to undocumented immigrants, but also citizens and permanent residents. They are scared that they might be—like others have been—wrongly caught up in these sweeps. This anxiety permeates not just Latino communities, but people from all over the world. And those of us whose ancestors immigrated generations ago are worried sick about our friends and neighbors.
When this President ran for election, he promised to address those who brought drugs, crime, and r**e. But the immigration raids this week have targeted day laborers, garment workers, and car washers. Immigration enforcement should focus on genuine public safety, not people just trying to earn a living. Tustin is one of the most diverse cities in the county, with a Latino population of 40% and an Asian population of 25%. We simply do not want our diverse community consumed by fear.
I know mere words offer cold comfort. I can only try to reassure you of my sincere belief that the Tustin community will support those whose lives have been upended and that many local leaders—politicians, labor leaders, clergy members, and citizens—are advocating and working to change these policies and work for a comprehensive immigration reform. I can also confirm that Tustin adheres to the California Values Act and is not assisting, contracting with, or enabling federal immigration enforcement. Rather, Tustin Police Department remains focused on keeping residents and businesses safe. Many people have participated in protests around the area. Continue to speak out, as your voice is important. Don’t let those protests be overrun by a handful of agitators who turn violent and destructive.
If you, your friends, families, neighbors, or co-workers find themselves in need of immigration assistance, our County Supervisor Vince Sarmiento has extensive information on resources at https://d2.ocgov.com/immigrant-resources, and detailed contact information for government and non-profit agencies that can assist you at https://d2.ocgov.com/sites/bos2.egovoc.com/files/2025-02/IMMIGRATION%20RESOURCES.pdf.
