community defense against ice

When reports of increased ICE operations began circulating across the San Gabriel Valley, many immigrant families felt fear and uncertainty. For mixed-status households and undocumented residents, the presence of ICE was a direct threat to safety, stability, and family unity. The risk of raids and detention brought back years of trauma tied to surveillance, policing, and forced separation.

SGV Progressive Action helped activate a regional response that focused on accurate information, community protection, and rights education. We worked with organizers and legal partners to share verified updates, distribute multilingual Know Your Rights materials, and support community members navigating confusion and fear. The goal was empowerment, not panic.

During this time, we also partnered with Operation Healthy Hearts to host free supply distributions and grocery deliveries for families sheltering at home. Many avoided leaving their homes out of fear, so bringing food, hygiene items, diapers, and essentials directly to doorsteps became a critical form of care and safety.

These efforts reminded us that safety does not come from policing or enforcement. It comes from solidarity, information, and support. When our neighbors were targeted, the community came together to protect one another and demonstrate that no one should face intimidation or displacement alone.

The response to ICE activity reaffirmed a core belief that guides our work today: community care is community defense.