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Community organizations urge federal action to protect California immigrants
SACRAMENTO, CA — Yesterday, Sacramento community leaders briefed U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D Calif.) on how increasingly aggressive federal immigration enforcement is destabilizing immigrant families, schools, workplaces, and the broader community.
Opening Doors and cross-sector stakeholders from Trinity Cathedral, California Immigration Project, NorCal Resist, Community Health Works, River City Food Bank, and Elk Grove Unified Schools, emphasized the need for legislators to bolster local efforts to protect immigrants. They urged Senator Padilla to demand federal accountability and oversight—especially in light of ICE action at Sacramento Immigration Court, where detainees report being held in grossly inadequate conditions for prolonged periods. Widespread fear has caused many people to miss their hearings—leading to deportation orders without due process.
Quotes from Community Stakeholders
“Immigration enforcement like what we’ve seen here in Sacramento doesn’t just affect one person—it fractures families, destabilizes neighborhoods, and sends ripple effects through our entire community. When families live in fear, our schools, workplaces, and local economies all feel the impact.” – Jessie Mabry, CEO of Opening Doors.
“Since May 27th, our team has documented 38 arrests carried out by plainclothes ICE officers on the 4th and 5th floors of Sacramento’s Immigration Court. This is intimidation designed to discourage people from attending court.” – Kamalpreet Chohan, Staff Attorney at California Immigration Project.
“River City Food bank and hunger relief programs will always show up for our neighbors, but we cannot replace billions in lost benefits. Protecting CalFresh and food banks means preserving the dignity, stability, and future of families across our community.” – Amanda McCarthy, Executive Director of River City Food Bank.
“NorCal Resist will continue to stand on the frontlines of resistance against abuses spearheaded by the federal government. This is how we combat government abuse and overreach—by showing up.” – Giselle Garcia, Programs Director at NorCal Resist.