Hundreds of residents urge Lompoc council to adopt resolution protecting undocumented immigrants; groups request March 18 agenda placement

Dozens of residents and local leaders urged the Lompoc City Council on March 4 to place a proposed resolution on the March 18 agenda that would affirm undocumented immigrants as vital community members and request city action to protect their safety and access to services.

Members of Voces Sin Fronteras and allied groups filled the council chambers and delivered lengthy, coordinated public comment asking the council to: (1) adopt a resolution recognizing undocumented residents as essential and encouraging non‑cooperation with federal immigration enforcement (in line with California law such as SB 54); (2) write letters of support for state legislation referenced by speakers (SB 48, SB 54, AB 421, and related measures); (3) distribute legally vetted “know‑your‑rights” materials and hold community information sessions; and (4) sponsor a public screening of the documentary Separated to raise awareness.

Speakers included Voces Sin Fronteras leaders and a broad slate of community members — parents, teachers, victim advocates, service providers and long‑time residents — who framed the request as both humanitarian and practical, emphasizing the economic contribution of immigrant labor to Lompoc and Santa Barbara County agriculture. Several speakers recounted personal or family experiences and noted falling school attendance and fear among youth in recent weeks. A small number of speakers raised law‑and‑order concerns about immigration enforcement, but most comments urged council to adopt protective measures and to publicly signal the city’s support.

Council did not vote on the requested resolution during the March 4 meeting. Multiple speakers explicitly requested that the matter be brought back for deliberation at the March 18 meeting; staff later indicated the March 18 meeting would be available for further discussion and councilmembers acknowledged the request. Several speakers and advocates said they plan to return on March 18.

What’s next: Speakers asked the council to consider specific actions — placing the resolution on the March 18 agenda, sending letters to state legislators in support of named bills, distributing “know your rights” information through city channels and coordinating with nonprofits on outreach and youth supports. The council did not take formal action on these requests on March 4 but staff said they would work to prepare materials for the March 18 meeting.