CoSight Faith in Action urges Half Moon Bay Council to promote immigrant hotline resources

Concerns over immigrant safety took center stage at the Half Moon Bay City Council meeting on July 15, 2025, as community advocate Joanne highlighted the growing fear among residents due to increased ICE activity. With federal funding for ICE operations on the rise, many immigrants in the coastal community are feeling vulnerable and anxious.

Joanne, a member of CoSight Faith in Action, addressed the council about the alarming trend of residents not attending meetings, attributing it to fear of potential ICE raids. She explained how misinformation spreads quickly through social media, amplifying community anxiety. To combat this, San Mateo County has partnered with Faith in Action Bay Area to operate a 24-hour hotline staffed by native Spanish speakers, ensuring immediate support for those in distress.

The hotline serves as a critical resource, dispatching volunteers to verify ICE presence and providing legal assistance when necessary. Joanne shared recent examples of the hotline's effectiveness, including a confirmed ICE arrest in San Bruno and a false alarm in South San Francisco.

In her appeal to the council, Joanne urged members to actively support the distribution of hotline information. She requested that the city post hotline details on its website, display informational posters, and encourage local businesses to do the same. Despite existing city policies against posting, she argued that this situation warrants an exception to help protect at-risk neighbors.

The council's response to Joanne's request could significantly impact the community's ability to access vital resources and information, reinforcing the city's commitment to supporting its vulnerable residents.