Immigrant rights groups gathered outside the Santa Barbara County Courthouse on Tuesday, protesting federal raids and military force mobilized in response to Los Angeles protests. The gatherings come as 805 UndocuFund reported that 81 individuals from the Central Coast are in custody or have been deported since January.
Executive director Primitiva Hernandez of 805UndocuFund warned that Santa Barbara could be next, referencing President Donald Trump’s deployment of California National Guard and Marine troops to Los Angeles. The group calls on local officials, particularly the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, to protect immigrant residents and workers.
Hernandez stated that immigrants are being “torn apart” and encouraged community members to take action. Local law enforcement agencies have also been requested as mutual aid in Los Angeles, with the Sheriff’s Office deploying personnel to provide security outside buildings downtown.
The rally was hosted by The FUND for Santa Barbara, with nearly 300 people gathered. Executive director Eder Gaona-Macedo called the past couple of months a “travesty” and encouraged crowd members to help protect their community.
Source: https://www.noozhawk.com/santa-barbara-protesters-take-stand-against-ice-raids-deportations