After protests, Anaheim launches ‘Anaheim Contigo’ and public asks for ICE alerts, legal help and transparency

Tens of speakers at the June 17 meeting pressed the Anaheim City Council to do more after recent federal immigration enforcement activity in the area. The council and staff announced a new city‑led initiative, Anaheim Contigo, and said they will continue expanding community supports and legal‑service coordination.

What the city announced

City Manager Jim Vanderpool said Anaheim Contigo is a collaborative effort with the Anaheim Community Foundation to provide emergency assistance grants and community resources for families, workers and businesses affected by enforcement. The program will: distribute emergency assistance grants via case managers at existing family resource centers; identify trusted legal and nonprofit partners for removal defense and outreach; and publish practical public information and rights materials online at anaheim.net/contigo. Vanderpool said the foundation will lead fundraising and that case management will be deployed through the city’s family resource centers.

Public demands at the meeting

More than two dozen speakers — including youth organizers from OC Youth Movement, neighborhood leaders and nonprofit advocates — urged the council to adopt an immediate, city‑run alert system to notify neighborhoods when federal immigration enforcement operations are occurring. Common requests included:

- Real‑time alerts (text/email/app) when ICE or other federal agents are reported in a neighborhood; - Public disclosure of any ‘courtesy calls’ or government coordination with federal agencies, including the frequency and district location of such calls; - A city‑backed legal defense fund, rapid‑response bail and post‑raid services; and - Targeted legal and workplace training for immigrant‑owned small businesses to respond to audits or inspections.

Youth groups led many of the public‑comment requests and announced local rallies; speakers said they had seen families avoid work, school and appointments because of fear.

Council response and next steps

Council members repeatedly affirmed that Anaheim Police and other local first responders do not carry out federal immigration enforcement operations. They thanked the many youth and community leaders who urged immediate action and asked staff to expand the Contigo resource page and to coordinate with community partners about practical steps the city can take. Communications staff distributed know‑your‑rights materials at the meeting and said additional language access and printed notices would be placed in community centers and libraries.

What the city did not do tonight

There was no formal ordinance or policy vote creating a city alert system or legal‑defense fund; council and staff characterized Anaheim Contigo as “building now” and said they would return with more details and partner‑agreements as they are finalized.

Why it matters

Speakers said prompt public notice of enforcement activity and clearer city guidance would allow families and workplaces to take protective steps and reduce panic. City staff said they are prioritizing accurate information and building operational supports so that community partners receive funding and technical help where needed.