At hushed community forum, Santa Monica mayor, police chief promise sanctum for immigrants
Residents of Santa Monica gather at a forum discussing what undocumented people should do in response to the Trump administration’s new policies on immigration and how to respond to the Immigration Center for Enforcement on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Virginia Park, in Santa Monica, Calif. The event was attended by undocumented residents of Santa Monica, Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete, Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista, and Santa Monica Fire Chief Matthew Hallock. (Jake Crandall | The Corsair)
“How many of you came from work?”
Everyone laughed. “Everybody,” said Marilyn Figueroa, an immigration attorney and immigrant from Guatemala, who had posed the query. “You made the time to educate yourself. So, thank you.”
The room nodded. At the Thelma Terry Center on Feb. 27, a group of about 100 immigrants and community members were meeting to hear from local politicians and lawyers about Santa Monica’s plan for immigrants. Two audience Q&A segments, one for the leaders and one for the lawyers, allowed for direct political correspondence.
The city of Santa Monica provided free sandwiches, childcare in another room and the night’s special attraction - a lineup of speakers who presented entirely in Spanish, with the exception of Santa Monica Fire Chief Matthew Hallock, who spoke in English.
A complete English dubbing of the presentation was made available with headsets and delivered on-the-spot by translators. Most of the audience didn’t use them. The dialogue in this article is excerpted from these English translations, which were also provided by the city.
Advertised as “Foro De Inmigración,” the forum took place a little after a month into the second presidency of Donald Trump, who has signed 89 executive orders since his inauguration on Jan. 20.
Over the course of the evening, comprehensive presentations overviewed recent changes to federal policy; the rights and protections retained by undocumented persons; and how the attorneys recommend engaging, or not engaging, with federal agencies in order to avoid detainment and deportation. Both presenting attorneys acknowledged the sum of information could be overbearing.
“It’s hard to learn everything, but knowledge is power,” said Daliah Setareh, immigration lawyer and senior attorney with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, a nonprofit firm that focuses on low-income clients, domestic violence, torture survivors, human trafficking, and immigration. Among other pieces of information, Figueroa and Setareh reminded the forum about the Fourth Amendment, which secures the right to remain silent, and the Fifth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable search and seizure, of the U.S. Constitution.
“The Constitution is supreme. And what does that mean? It means your rights are supreme,” said Figueroa.
As explained by Figureoa and Setareh, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) encapsulates the federal government’s immigration agencies, including Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). CBP officers are stationed at ports of entry and CIS processes immigrant applications. Both agencies can refer cases to ICE, which can detain and refer cases to court.
In some cases, the government is liable to perform expedited removals of individuals without a hearing. The persons at risk for these speedy deportations are persons with criminal records; persons who have already been deported or received deportation orders; and undocumented persons who have been in the U.S. for less than two years.
Most importantly, said Figureoa, “if you forget any other detail,” she wants the community to remember they aren’t required to open the door for ICE if the agent cannot show a warrant signed by a judge.
“A valid court order must contain the following: The word ‘court’ in the title. Your correct full name and address. Signature of a Judge. Current date range. If order is valid: ICE agents may enter the designated place or home with or without your permission,” reads the city’s literature distributed at the forum.
Ask the agents to slide a warrant under the door or show it through a window so you can photograph it and verify it later with an attorney, Figueroa recommended. She also reminded the crowd of the Sixth Amendment right to an attorney, and that they should refuse to sign documents or say anything without one present.
The information presented by the attorneys was intended for general relevancy, and Figueroa and Setareh recommended consulting one-on-one with an attorney for any case-specific advice.
On his first day in office, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, sanctioning the deployment of Armed Forces to the border. Shortly after, he signed Executive Order 14165 titled “Securing Our Borders,” which encourages Homeland Security to “take all appropriate actions” to detain and deport persons violating immigration law, and encourages local police to collaborate with ICE in “enforce(ment of) Federal immigration priorities.”
“Securing Our Borders” additionally bans the CBP One mobile application used by asylum-seekers to contact and meet with U.S. immigration officials. This compounds former President Joe Biden’s Proclamation 10773, titled “Securing the Border” and signed in June 2024, which enabled and was followed by the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General issuing an interim final rule (IFR) establishing a limitation on asylum eligibility.
The executive order, Lee Gelernt of the American Civil Liberties Union told NPR, effectively suspends asylum.
Furthermore, also signed on Jan. 20, Trump’s Executive Order 14163 or “Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program” suspends the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) until the admission of refugees “aligns with the interests of the United States.”
To address these developments, Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete took before the hushed Thelma Terry audience on Feb. 27. The room, she predicted, “felt uncomfortable with changes in federal policy… We acknowledge the deep uncertainty (many) are feeling.”
“We are hearing you, we are sharing your concerns,” she said. Negrete was appointed mayor in December 2024 after serving as mayor pro tempore from 2022 to 2024. The city’s first Latina mayor, Negrete was raised by immigrant parents in Santa Monica and pledged at the forum to “protect every resident independently of their migratory status.”
In contrast with “Securing Our Borders,” Negrete stated the city will “not help federal authorities” and “not use resources of the city to investigate people’s legal status.”
This protocol follows the California Values Act, or the Law of Values, effective Jan. 1, 2018, which prohibits the use of state and local law police in California to detect or detain persons for immigration enforcement purposes, unless, as Negrete clarified, “an individual has been arrested.” However, this law doesn’t impact federal agencies like ICE, which act independently to the state.
“Santa Monica is a city for everyone,” said Negrete. “We will continue to build a community based in safety, inclusion and dignity for all.”
In response to Trump’s federal actions on immigration, residents all over Los Angeles County engaged in anti-ICE protests that elicited thousands of demonstrators in February, causing a temporary shutdown of the 101 Freeway on Feb. 2.
The protesting action bled into Santa Monica with a walkout at Santa Monica High School and subsequent march to Santa Monica City Hall on Feb. 7, which was “commend(ed)” by Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton.
Negrete emphasized the city’s response to federal changes in immigration policy wouldn’t end with rhetoric.
“We actually take action,” she said in English.
Next, Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista spoke to the room of immigrants, asserting the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) is similarly committed to protecting all residents of all statuses.
Batista has over 35 years of experience in law enforcement and is three years into the role of police chief for Santa Monica. “Most of the officers are, I don’t know how to call it, minority… Majority is minority… You see a little bit of everything.”
Despite the promises of City Hall and the police department, Batista said, the powers of protective sentiment are limited.
“I want you all to know what we can do and what we can’t do,” said Batista. In compliance with the Law of Values, he said, “we don’t do raids nor detentions.”
A Community Message document issued by SMPD and signed by Batista reminds that per Title Eight of the United States Code, immigration enforcement lies under federal jurisdiction.
However, he said, while they will not enforce it, this means the SMPD, a local agency, cannot interfere with federal agency activity. “Santa Monica appreciates all the immigrants, but we are not a sanctuary city.”
In addition, said Batista, the recent federal actions have shaken general public trust in law enforcement. This obstructs their ability to keep the public safe, he said. Batista identified the main consequence of distrusting local police: undocumented residents might be afraid to call upon SMPD for aid, even in dire circumstances.
“No one in our community should be afraid to report a crime or request aid,” said Batista. “We are here to save you all in our community who need… help.”
“We will ensure every individual feels protected and valued,” he said.
Setareh and Figueroa discussed precautions. In spite of the current and former administration’s restrictions, there are avenues that can be used to apply for legal immigration status, which can potentially minimize the risk of deportation.
In an immigration court, one can apply for asylum; adjustment of status; or the suspension or cancellation of deportation.
Through CIS, one can also apply for asylum or adjustment of status. Additionally, the CIS offers applications for green cards under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA); protection from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy; naturalization; family petitions with Form 1-30 or “Petition for Alien Relative”; the T visa for victims of human trafficking; and the U visa for victims of abuse.
During application review, one factor considered by the government is the applicant's likelihood of becoming a Public Charge, or a person who depends primarily on government benefits. Therefore, records of income assistance, benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and institutionalization, if funded by the government, might disable a status change.
Per the Convention Against Torture, a U.N. treaty, if an immigrant tells a federal immigration agent that they fear governmental persecution in their home country on the basis of race, religion, politics, citizenship, or ethnicity, the agent is required to administer a Credible Fear Screening. After the fear is assessed and verified, one might be eligible to apply for asylum.
“They’re scaring you for a reason,” said Figueroa. “Sea valiente.”
According to Figueroa, ICE agents might dress in civilian clothing, impersonate local police or sign warrants themselves and brandish those signatures instead of those of a judge.
“ICE can say things that are not true,” said Figueroa. “That’s why it is important to know your rights.”
Adding to the compendium, on Jan. 20, Trump also rescinded protection from ICE enforcement activity in “sensitive” areas such as churches, hospitals and courthouses. However, the attorneys said, ICE is only permitted to enter public spaces like waiting rooms, and cannot enter patient rooms or private offices.
In courthouses, ICE targets people with deportation orders, national or public security threats, ex-convicts, gang members, “and, unfortunately, their families,” said Setareh, though these arrests are less likely in non-criminal courts.
Outside your home, ICE needs a court order or reasonable suspicion of a person being undocumented in order to make an arrest.
“If you run, you’re giving them probable cause,” said Figueroa. Instead, she suggested, ask if you can leave. Then, calmly walk away or exercise your right to remain silent.
Accumulate evidence of your life and community contributions, especially those exceeding two years of residence, the attorneys advised. This can include bills, school records, job paperwork, and birth certificates of children. Make copies for the home and to store with trusted friends or family, who should also have a plan in place for children with a parent at risk of deportation.
Setareh discouraged Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), or “green card” holders, as well as people with pending CIS applications, from traveling abroad or domestically without consulting an attorney. And undocumented individuals, she said, should not travel abroad or by plane at all. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a faction of DHS, can ask for immigration status and REAL ID, and make corresponding referrals to ICE.
In the case of detainment, “you still have rights in the deportation process,” said Figueroa. For instance, detainees retain the right to a court interpreter in their preferred language, and the ability to request probation.
“I hope that you will never be in this situation,” said Setareh. “But if you know someone (who is detained),” she said, cases in immigration court can be monitored online with the Automated Case Information System or by calling 800-898-7180. Detainees can be located by using the Online Detainee Locator System, calling ICE field offices, or contacting their detention center.
To post bail for oneself or a family member, one must have at least one documented proof of status, such as a U.S. passport or green card, and a bond of at least $1,500, which Figueroa encouraged the Thelma Terry audience to prepare in advance. Bonds can be posted online.
When Hallock spoke in English, like Batista, he affirmed the Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) will respond to all calls and emergencies without inquiring about immigration status. Hallock said the room should “rest assured knowing” the SMFD will “make sure you’re taken care of.”
Dr. Francisco Dussan, the director of student services for SMMUSD, affirmed the same status-blindness as Batista and Hallock. “We don’t (take) immigration information from the students in the school. Our work is more to fight for the rights of the students.”
Dussan is an immigrant from Columbia. As a teenager in the San Gabriel Valley who “had no papers,” his migratory status was frequently cause for fear and uncertainty. Once, Dussan and several friends skipped school for a week over rumors of ICE raids.
After recounting the story, he parted with the following advice: “Don’t have fear. Don’t let them terrorize you.”
“The most important thing you have in the community is the trust you have in us,” said Dussan.
To contact Marilyn Figueroa, call 626-799-6585, email abogado@earevalo.com or mfigueroa@earevalo.com or visit the Enrique Arévalo Law Office at 505 Mission Street in South Pasadena, open Monday through Friday and some Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To contact Daliah Setareh, call LAFLA at 800-399-4529, email dsetareh@lafla.org or visit lafla.org.
To access the Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc. (CLINIC) guidebook on interacting with law enforcement, visit cliniclegal.org/file-download/download/public/1443.
For more immigration resources from the city, visit santamonica.gov/safeathome.
The Dream Resource Center at Santa Monica College offers immigration legal services, counseling for undocumented students, and resources for allies.
For information on further workshops at Virginia Avenue Park, call 310-458-8688.