Head of Mexican Consulate in Oxnard Speaks on Immigration in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The ambassador overseeing the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard spoke in Santa Barbara on Wednesday night, addressing growing fears in the immigrant community.

The forum at Casa de la Raza took place one day after U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reaffirmed that all undocumented individuals 14 and older must register with the federal government or face potential fines, imprisonment, or both. Parents and guardians of children under 14 must ensure they are registered.

Despite promises from the Trump administration to prioritize the "worst first" in arrests and deportations, the number of detainees in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody without a criminal conviction or pending charges has surged. According to NBC News, more than 1,800 of the 4,422 new ICE detainees in the first two weeks of February had no criminal record, making up 41% of the total.

Although concerns about enforcement were high, families attended the event seeking information and reassurance.

“We had a lot of folks who were scared. Some asked for the videos to be done on Zoom, so we provided that,” said Jacqueline Ina, a Casa de la Raza representative.

Ambassador Ricardo Santana Velázquez reassured attendees that the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard is available to assist those in need, particularly agricultural workers who may struggle to access services.

“We have a lot of people concentrated in Santa Maria—laborers, people who work in the field. And they cannot travel to Oxnard or Santa Barbara. That’s why I am here, trying to inform them about the services,” Santana Velázquez said.

However, when asked about the federal registry, Santana Velázquez declined to comment.

The registry mandate is based on long-standing federal immigration laws, including the Alien Registration Act of 1940 and the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. A similar system, the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System, was implemented after 9/11.

During an earlier workshop, Santana Velázquez urged business owners and workers to remain calm and continue their daily routines.

“Just go about business as usual. Go to work. Just, you know, don’t be afraid,” said Miguel Avila, president of the Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Vicki Medina, a social worker and daughter of immigrants who gained citizenship, said she was inspired by the community’s response.

“I also see something beautiful happening where we’re helping one another. We’re educating ourselves,” Medina said.

An undocumented young man shared images that he claimed showed immigration enforcement officers in unmarked cars near a local nursery.

Casa de la Raza staff encouraged residents to post private property signs and familiarize themselves with their rights. Attendees left with packets containing legal documents in both English and Spanish.

“The key is to be prepared,” Santana Velázquez said. “Stay calm, obey the law, and know your rights.”

For more information visit https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx and https://lacasafounders.org