Carpinteria City Council Approves $5,000 for Nonprofits After Immigration Raids
John Palminteri
CARPINTERIA, Calif. – The Carpinteria City Council held an emergency meeting Thursday night and approved $5,000 in emergency funding to support nonprofit organizations assisting residents impacted by recent federal immigration enforcement actions.
The funds, allocated from the city’s General Fund, will go toward community-based groups that are often the first point of contact for affected individuals and are currently providing legal aid, emergency assistance, and resource navigation. The council also plans to establish criteria for selecting which nonprofits receive the funding.
The special meeting was called after videos showing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Carpinteria circulated earlier this week, sparking alarm throughout the community.
“This is incredibly important—to hold this meeting, to listen to the community, what’s important to them, and show them we are listening and working hard to solve this issue,” said 1st District County Supervisor Roy Lee. “That’s just insane.”
Although the meeting was planned earlier in the week, it took place the same day as large-scale federal raids at Glass House Farms in Carpinteria and Camarillo. Ten people were detained from the Carpinteria site.
“I’m out here standing up for parents of my students who could get deported today,” said Carpinteria teacher Andrea Carrillo. “I’m scared for them. I’m worried for them—that they’re going to go home and not have a single adult at their house.”
Hundreds gathered outside Carpinteria City Hall, holding signs and sharing emotional testimony.
“I’m 20 years old. I should not be standing in front of my community,” said resident Natalie Vilchez. “I graduated high school two years ago. I should not be scared for my people.”
Later, Vilchez added, “I believe that a community and a village is what makes everything in life. You can never stand alone, and in these moments, it’s most important. Even just standing here—if you don’t use your voice—your presence is more than enough.”
Carpinteria Vice Mayor Mónica Solórzano was also in attendance. She reportedly suffered a scrape on her arm after being knocked down by a flash bang earlier in the day.
Solórzano, who drew national attention in June for remaining seated during the Pledge of Allegiance at two council meetings, continued her protest Thursday night. She previously stated the action was in response to the Trump administration’s bombing of nuclear sites in Iran and the deployment of Marines to Los Angeles following immigration protests.
Public comments during the meeting reflected a united message of support for immigrants and condemnation of the raids.
“We are a very strong community with a very strong base—wonderful people of all nationalities,” said one speaker.
“This city and this country are better because of mi familia mexicana,” said another.
The council typically meets every other Monday but convened this special session amid rising tension and calls for immediate action.
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