Planned Protest in Santa Maria Grows Bigger as ICE Arrests Continue

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - A rapid response network led by the non-profit 805 Undocufund has scheduled a press conference today at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Santa Maria.

The announcement follows the brief detention and release of organization volunteer Alexandra “Lexi” by immigration officers earlier in the day.

The organization stated the gathering aims to bring attention to what it describes as ongoing harassment and targeting of volunteers who inform community members about ICE presence. 

According to 805 Respuesta Rapida, Santa Maria is the primary location of a recent surge in immigration enforcement, with the network reporting it has documented more than 100 detentions since Oct. 5.

The press conference is scheduled for 4 p.m. outside the ICE office located at 740 West Century Street, Suite A, in Santa Maria. 

805 Undocufund Executive Director Primitiva Hernandez and volunteer Alexandra are scheduled to address attendees.

According to 805 Respuesta Rapida, the enforcement surge in Santa Maria has impacted local families who report losing vehicles and personal belongings during operations. 

The organization stated that individuals have been separated from their family members without clear communication or transparency from federal authorities.

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