Immigration Resources

Community Organizations

Information services and resource navigation is a core library service. Immigration resources in the community are listed here.

Previous Meetings
At the March 10, 2026, City Council meeting, the Council considered a resolution and statement of values reaffirming the City’s response to federal immigration enforcement activities. The item addressed the City’s ongoing commitment to the California Values Act and highlighted the Santa Barbara Police Department’s approach to community policing and public safety for all residents, visitors, and workers, regardless of immigration status. The Council reviewed supporting materials, including a statement from the Police Department and a proposed resolution promoting community safety, diversity, and public trust through locally guided practices.

Included documents:

• Council Agenda Report
• PowerPoint_Resolution and Statement of Values to Re-Affirm the City’s Response to Federal Immigration Enforcement Activities
• Reaffirmation of the Santa Barbara Police Department and Chief Kelly Gordon’s Commitment to Safety and Respect
• Draft_Resolution of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Promoting Community Safety, Diversity, and Public Trust Through Locally Guided Practices in Response to Federal Immigration Enforcement

Documentos Adicionales:

• Informe de la Agenda del Consejo del 10 de marzo de 2026
• Resolución y declaración de valores para reafirmar la respuesta de la Ciudad a las actividades federales de control de inmigración y el compromiso con la policía comunitaria

City of Santa Barbara in Partnership with Fund for Santa Barbara Announces 2025 Immigrant Relief Fund Grant Awards

The City, in partnership with The Fund for Santa Barbara, has awarded $333,000 in grants to local nonprofits through the Immigrant Relief Fund. This funding supports organizations that provide critical services to immigrant communities, including individuals and families who live and work in the city, and follows a competitive process in which six applicants were selected based on their impact, community trust, and ability to deliver culturally responsive services. A separate $130,000 grant to the Immigrant Legal Defense Center will fund a new staff attorney, and with $645,000 in total funding requests, the initiative highlights the urgent and ongoing need for immigrant support in the region.

At the July 31, 2025, Special City Council Meeting on Immigration, the Council considered follow-up actions related to community concerns about recent federal immigration enforcement activities in Santa Barbara and the surrounding region. The discussion built on input received during a Town Hall held on July 15, 2025, which provided a public forum for residents and community leaders to share perspectives and request potential City actions. The Council reviewed a proposed resolution condemning aggressive and non-transparent federal immigration enforcement tactics and reaffirming the City’s commitment to the California Values Act and to maintaining a safe and welcoming community for all residents, visitors, and workers. The Council also considered providing direction on the allocation of financial resources to support immigrant-serving organizations and potential updates to the City of Santa Barbara Legislative Platform to enable advocacy on legislation affecting immigrant communities at the state and federal levels.

Town Hall on Immigration
On Tuesday, July 15, the City, in partnership with 805UndocuFund, hosted a town hall on immigration to address community questions and share local resources.

To view the agenda and subscribe for updates, visit City Council Meetings.