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Santa Barbara Reacts to Increased ICE Immigration Enforcement

Santa Barbara Reacts to Increased ICE enforcement

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Streets known for day laborers in the mornings and afternoons are noticeably less populated than they were earlier this month, as immigration enforcement efforts launched by the second Trump administration have created an atmosphere of fear in Santa Barbara.

Reports indicate that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been active in several areas, including the Westside and outside Mi Fiesta Market on the Eastside. Images shared by 805 UndocuFund on social media show agents wearing vests marked “Police” and the ICE badge. One photo depicts a man in handcuffs, while the organization reported that another individual’s detention was prevented with help from the Immigrant Legal Defense Center.

A woman working at a business on Milpas Street said she saw three people taken away by ICE agents on Voluntario Street on Sunday. She said the individuals were placed in a white vehicle but could not provide additional details.

Children outside a market on Santa Barbara’s Eastside recounted witnessing someone fleeing in fear of being detained over the weekend.

Juan Perez, a clerk at Mi Fiesta Market, shared his account of the situation.

“What I saw was ICE just passing by. They were after somebody, not a bunch of people. They parked in front of the store but didn’t come inside,” Perez said. “The person they were after possibly escaped. That’s all I saw.”

Perez noted that business at the store has slowed compared to previous weeks, though there was still a line of customers buying snacks, meat, and cashing checks on Monday.

Another business owner, Ashley Hernandez, said daytime activity has decreased, though evenings are slightly busier.

“We’ve just been noticing it’s been a little slower,” Hernandez said. “I think people are kind of scared at the moment because of what they’ve been hearing—just kind of scared to go out. But we’ve noticed that businesses have been a little busier after 6 o’clock. I feel like people are more comfortable going out then.”

Passersby recorded ICE activity and posted it on social media, adding to the heightened sense of concern.

Perez also said fewer day laborers are gathering on Milpas Street to find work.

While some individuals have been directed to seek refuge at local churches, ICE has not ruled out apprehending people in these locations.

Jordyn Morales, a young man tending to candles and flowers at a nearby church, said the enforcement efforts have left him deeply concerned.

“All the people are talking about this,” Morales said. “I’m Hispanic too, so I’m kind of worried about my family, my brother, my parents. It’s something difficult for us right now.”

Morales added that he believes the enforcement is unfair, as many immigrants come to the U.S. to work and build better lives.

“It’s frustrating, knowing they want to take us out, knowing that we’re not harming anybody,” Morales said.

The administration has stated that its enforcement measures are initially focused on undocumented individuals with criminal records.

Article Topic Follows: Politics

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Tracy Lehr

Tracy Lehr is a reporter and the weekend anchor for News Channel 3-12. To learn more about Tracy, click here

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