Ice on the Streets

I’d like to speak about the escalating federal immigration enforcement. 

I respect the Chair’s request for us to not unnecessarily wade into national issues, but what is happening with ICE is an issue affecting the people we represent on a daily basis. ICE is here on any given day, in our neighborhoods on our streets, causing disruption and in some cases, violence. 

Over 350 people are now gone – most without due process, leaving behind loved ones to suffer in trauma. 

Safety is our number one job, and I am worried about our safety. Especially for our immigrant community. But for all of us too. 

When these raids happen, the agents are masked with guns, innocent bystanders are outraged. It’s alarming. They can’t believe what they are seeing. So, like Alex Pretti, they take out their phones.

What’s to stop a federal agent from turning on them?

When the big raid happened in Carpinteria, and 200 people gathered to protest, ICE used smoke bombs and flash bangs on them. It got out of hand. We all know, it could have been worse. 

Our local law enforcement has years of experience and training. They receive de-escalation training. They are members of the community. I’m proud to be their colleague and support their courageous work. 

ICE has more than doubled their ranks in less than a year, from 10,000 agents to 22,000. They do not receive the kind of exceptional training that our local law enforcement receives. By some accounts, they are barely trained. 

Like tens of thousands of community members I have attended protests recently, including a beautiful vigil last night at Stearns Wharf in solidarity with the people of Minnesota – full of light. They have been entirely peaceful. I brought my son last night, not worried about our safety – because this is Santa Barbara. And this is America. Will that change? What do we do if federal agents arrive? 

It’s been up to nonprofits to be leading know-your-rights and de-escalation sessions. Every protest has been entirely peaceful thanks to the work of the COMMUNITY Volunteers.

Our District Attorney has spoken out to keep the peace and keep the temperature down. So has the SB City Chief of Police.

I’ve asked our sheriff directly and I’m publicly asking him now – how can he and his team be a part of keeping our community safer against federal agents? What more can be done?

It’s an open-ended question and I am looking for any kind of constructive answer. But we do need an answer.  

Thank you,

Laura Capps, 
Santa Barbara County Supervisor, 
District 2