The below written statement was given by City Administrator Kelly McAdoo during the January 28, 2025, Regular Council Meeting.
“Thank you Mayor and Council for the opportunity to share a few comments with you today and also with our community. As many of you have heard from news and media, there were a number of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in our community last weekend. I want to acknowledge the fear and uncertainty caused to many of our residents, particularly our undocumented community members.
I also want to express my concerns over the recent activity that has occurred and to reassure our community members that our local government does not participate in immigration enforcement.
The Santa Barbara Police Department and our City government remain steadfast in providing, and making accessible, services to all of our community members, regardless of immigration status. Under California’s SB 54 (the California Values Act), local law enforcement agencies are prohibited from participating in immigration enforcement except in limited specific circumstances. In addition, all City departments have been directed to provide services to all of our residents, without requiring proof of immigration status, except in legally required circumstances (like obtaining employment with the City).
As it relates to the Police Department, I want to make sure our community knows that the mission of the department is to safeguard everyone in our community, including undocumented individuals who live and work here. SBPD does not ask about, collect or keep information about the immigration status of anyone they serve. The fear caused by last weekend’s events can deter victims and witnesses of crimes from coming forward, which jeopardizes everyone’s safety. SBPD has worked hard to foster trust and cooperation with our community and is committed to continuing to foster trust and serving every member of our community.
As a government and a community, we are committed to supporting and providing resources and services to the people we serve.”
Immigration Violations Information – Santa Barbara Police Department
Immigration Resources – Santa Barbara Public Library
| IMPORTA Santa Barbara: 805-604-5060 129 E Carrillo St Santa Maria: 805-619-0644 327 East Plaza Drive Importasb.org |
IMPORTA is a non-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Department of Justice to provide immigration legal services at a very low cost to low-income immigrants. |
| Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara 805-963-6754 Hours: Monday-Thursday 9-12 & 1-3 lafsbc.org |
Free legal assistance to low-income individuals in crisis. Immigration assistance for those who were victims of violent crimes. |
| Immigrant Hope SB 805-963-0166 935 San Andres St Info.santabarbara@immigranthop.org immigranthopesb.org |
Immigrant Hope, recognized by the Department of Justice (DOJ), provides low-cost legal advice and services, including legal representation for immigrants submitting applications to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). |
| Immigrant Legal Defense Center 805-886-9136 1136 E Monecito St julissa@SBImmigrantDefense.org SBImmigrantDefense.org |
Provides pro bono legal representation in deportation proceedings and informing immigrants of their basic civil rights. |
| MICOP (Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project) | Offers immigration resources, including Know Your Rights presentations, and free or low-cost legal advice and representation for indigenous immigrants. |
| 805 UndocuFund | Provides emergency assistance to undocumented individuals and families. |
| 805 Immigrant, Rapid Response Hotline | Register your cell number to receive alerts about ICE and CBP sightings and raids or to report a detained family member or friend. |
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Resist the evil clown car kakistocracy our federal government executive branch has become.
KAPO – “You mean who was elected by the American public?”
LOL someone still doesn’t know math.
Less than ONE THIRD of American voters chose Trump. As for the “American public” in general, less than 1/4 chose him.
Sac – As you say, “less than 1/3 of American voters chose him [Trump], this means even fewer people voted for Harris, correct? It really does not make any sense for you to keep ranting how Trump received fewer votes when it then confirms Harris received even fewer than Trump as he prevailed in the election. I know, the electoral college. Thanks for the brandy on that one also.
You mean who was elected by the American public? Not evil, except in your head.
I will say one thing I am super thankful to your cult leader for, though.
They will eliminate regulations that made it easier for the government to track and tax crypto gains.
YESS!!!!!!!
Thank you, President Trump!!!!
Now a bunch of my pals will to hide taxable income from the Feds!! SWEET!
So quit whining? Or not!
Evil, and stupid, to anyone with a shred of decency in their personality.
KAPWNED – “Not evil”
This stuff isn’t evil?
– Allowing ICE to enter schools to detain children
– Revoking protections for over 600,000 immigrants
– Releasing convicted, violent criminals (some with former convictions for rape, spousal abuse, assault) who attacked police officers into our communities
– Blaming a national tragedy on “DEI hires”
– Firing federal personnel for doing their jobs and following the law in investigating his crimes
– Conditioning federal fire aid for thousands of Californians on things they’re unable to do anything about
– Proposing we “clear out” Palestinians from Gaza
Those are all good things? Is that what you’re saying?
Thank you for making the only sensical comment on this page. It’s sad that the frequent readers think it’s cool to rebel against anything any Republican elected official says, and that it’s cool to support an internationally recognized terrorist organization like Hamas.
DOO-LIE – “Sac – As you say, “less than 1/3 of American voters chose him [Trump], this means even fewer people voted for Harris,” LOL yeah…. no S Sherlock. That’s why she LOST THE ELECTION.
Your point is? Glad you’re enjoying your brandy….?
Years ago when I worked for the Probation Department it was common knowledge that ICE officers seldom bothered to pick up the undocumented repeat offenders we had in custody. At that time the federal government also vowed to reimburse the County for the expenses incurred while holding undocumented felons before ICE deported them. Big surprise… they never paid one penny.
So true. A family member who worked at the Santa Clara County Jail back in the 90s said the same thing. He said a few days ago that the times have changed dramatically. He also mentioned that the law is now being enforced and many/most those undocumented will be deported. The Guantanamo Bay detention facility is being fired up in a big way to hold up to 30,000 people. Just as Biden was getting the placed closed down, that hell hole is now going to explode with innocent women and children separated from their parents.
Innocent women and children? Women aren’t children and why do you exclude men? Are men just “guilty” for being adult males?
Seriously what’s up with your disregard for men?
AntiCitizenOne: Only a mother would understand the heartache of being separated from their child, irregardless of the circumstances. Maybe that’s just me and “my” twisted logic….possibly, is that what you is saying? Not sure why you are saying that men are guilty just for being “adult” males and the disregard for them. Possibly I am reading/interpreting your comment incorrectly or….you think it’s okay to cage people for trying to make a better life for themselves. I’m not the person who is going to get in the way of those who are only trying to take care of their families….hopefully, you are okay with that.
Still waiting…. how is DEI “showing its weakness right now?”
Is that some insight from a recreational pilot regarding the recent tragedy in DC or just a generalized statement affirming the shortcomings and ignorance of the poster?