Lompoc Rallies Against ICE Following Dozens of Central Coast Detainments This Week

LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) - Immigrant rights supporters and local residents assembled in Lompoc for a protest directed at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The demonstration follows increased ICE operations this week that led to dozens of local arrests.

Local nonprofit 805 Undocufund reported that federal authorities took at least 34 people into custody between Monday and Tuesday, and by Friday that number rose to 54.

Enforcement activities were documented in Guadalupe, Buellton, Santa Maria and at the Lompoc federal prison.

An incident at Allan Hancock College Monday drew public concern when the father of a student was detained on campus.

According to a report by the University of California, Los Angeles, Santa Maria and Lompoc rank among the top locations for at-large immigration arrests and transfers within the L.A. enforcement region. 

“If community members see anything out there and they have a phone in their hands, we need them to film,” says Rene Soto, spokesperson for 805 Undocufund. “They have a right to film.”

“There are so many community members here in Lompoc who are scared,” says Gary Jeffrey, president of the Lompoc Valley Black Student Union. “They're hiding in their houses, and we want to be able to have a voice for them. We want to be able to send a message to the government and to everyone else that, you know, our community will stand together.”

Rally organizers say tonight's event is to show support for undocumented families, share information regarding legal rights, and call for an end to forceful sweep methods within the 805 area code.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On OurMobile Apps. Keep Up With The Latest Articles by Signing Up for theNews Channel 3-12 Newsletter.