Santa Barbara Debates $500K Relief Package for Undocumented Families Amid Federal Immigration Crackdown
Patricia Martellotti
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — In the wake of recent ICE raids in Carpinteria and Ventura, the Santa Barbara City Council is weighing a proposed $500,000 emergency aid package to provide legal and basic support to immigrant families.
The proposal emerged during a special meeting where more than 50 public speakers urged immediate action. “Rent is due tomorrow,” declared Jacqueline Inda of Casa de la Raza. “They still have bills to pay. They still have to put food on their tables or they’re going to be evicted.”
Advocates emphasized local precedent: the city of Goleta allocated $100,000, and Santa Barbara County designated around $240,000 in emergency support.
City staff acknowledged fiscal pressures, with fiscal year 2026 projections indicating a $10 million deficit, according to City Administrator Kelly McAdoo. While the city funds immigrant-serving nonprofits at approximately $1.75 million annually, officials warned of limitations on the general fund.
“If the council wants to appropriate additional dollars to any of our nonprofits that serve our immigration community,” McAdoo said, “that [should] come from the existing $5 million for the local housing trust fund or the housing and homelessness services—or that the council look potentially at the Measure C projects for funding.”
Community advocates vigorously opposed tapping housing reserves. “Pitting housing needs against immigrant services is a false choice,” said Housing Authority Director Rob Fredericks. “We stand in solidarity with our immigrant community and urge you to find ways to fund these vital services without retreating from your commitment to addressing the housing crisis.”
Jacqueline Inda also criticized the timing of the discussion, which coincided with Santa Barbara’s Fiesta celebrations. “I’m frustrated because we’re in the middle of Fiesta, and we’re having an immigration special meeting and you can’t take decisions without community being present,” she said.
Councilmembers Kristen Sneddon and Meagan Harmon voiced support for the full funding amount. Sneddon urged diverting Measure C infrastructure funds away from roads and public safety projects. “People over pavement,” she said. “We can’t keep profiting without protection. Our immigrant community provides the safety net for all of us. It’s time for us to help provide the safety net back.”
Harmon questioned whether an emergency declaration is required to unlock disaster reserve funds, prompting clarification from legal staff that while a declaration might not be feasible, the council could amend its reserve policy or use Measure C allocations to move forward.
Mayor Randy Rowse acknowledged the emotional testimony but cautioned that the city’s authority is limited. “I hope people walk away with an understanding of the realities of the situation and that what we can do we can’t do,” he said. “I don’t wanna do things just because of being symbolic.”
Council deliberations are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
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