In response to recent federal immigration enforcement actions, many in our community have exercised their constitutional right to assemble and protest. Local law enforcement agencies have mobilized to protect public safety, uphold the rights of demonstrators, and ensure the security of businesses and property in the Civic Center area. The federal government has inflamed the situation by deploying the National Guard and active-duty military personnel to Santa Ana in an unnecessary and counter-productive move to intimidate local leaders and the community.
I joined the OC Rapid Response Network and other community organizations dedicated to supporting the immigrant community, including the Mexican Consulate in Santa Ana. We stood side by side with elected leaders from the City of Santa Ana, members of the Santa Ana Unified School District Board, and officials from neighboring cities and school districts, including Costa Mesa, Garden Grove, Orange, and Tustin. Together, we sent a clear message to our immigrant community: their local elected leaders stand with them and support them. We also called for the immediate removal of the military from our streets and for law enforcement to respect the constitutional rights of the community to assemble and peacefully make their voices heard.
This is a challenging and emotional time for many, as we witness immigration actions targeting hard-working individuals. An administration that once claimed to focus on pursuing violent criminals has instead turned its efforts toward arresting mothers and fathers simply trying to make a living, as well as individuals attending court hearings and attempting to follow immigration laws.
I have personally seen the disturbing tactics being used on our residents, including masked gunmen—without any law enforcement identification—taking people off our streets. This administration has little regard for the rule of law and has abandoned efforts to apprehend dangerous or violent offenders with proper court-ordered warrants because due process and following the law are less important than tactics designed to terrify immigrants and intimidate all Californians. Now we are seeing the administration and the Department of Justice seeking to silence local leaders and escalate the encounters with the public by militarizing its response to lawful protests. These actions cannot be ignored and must be called out and condemned.
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We exercised our First Amendment rights — loudly, not with violence or fear, but with truth, unity, and purpose. I called on all members of the community to demonstrate peacefully and make their voices heard, and I urge all law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint, sound judgment, and a deep respect for the rights guaranteed by our Constitution.
Vicente Sarmiento serves on the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
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