City Administrator's Statement on ICE
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. |