Santa Ana activists demand investigation of officers Casillas and Ibarra for ethical violations

The Santa Ana City Council meeting on June 3, 2025, was marked by intense public outcry regarding police accountability, particularly in the case of Noe Rodriguez, who was fatally shot by officers. Community members, including representatives from the Community Safety Organization (CSO), demanded that the council and city manager take immediate action against officers Luis Casillas and Isaac Ibarra for alleged violations of the police department's code of ethics.

During the meeting, speakers highlighted the failure of the officers to effectively communicate and de-escalate a situation involving Rodriguez, who was reportedly unarmed and did not speak English. The community members expressed their frustration over the perceived lack of accountability within the police department, emphasizing that the officers' actions deprived Rodriguez's family of their loved one and violated his civil rights.

The CSO representatives criticized the Santa Ana Police Officers Association for labeling their organization as "pro-criminal" and "anti-public safety," arguing that such rhetoric undermines the community's calls for justice and transparency. They called for the immediate removal of the involved officers from the department without pay and urged the personnel board and police oversight commission to investigate the incident thoroughly.

Additionally, the speakers pointed out that the Police Oversight Commission has been non-functional for two years due to delays in hiring an independent oversight director, further complicating the pursuit of accountability. The emotional testimonies from Rodriguez's family underscored the personal impact of the incident, with his wife detailing the trauma experienced by their family following his death.

The meeting concluded with a clear demand for justice and accountability, as community members vowed to continue advocating for their rights and the rights of others affected by police actions. The council's response to these demands remains to be seen, as the community awaits further developments in the investigation and oversight processes.