Residents press Simi Valley council for response after multiple reports of ICE activity and raids

Dozens of residents, community organizers and immigrant‑rights volunteers used the public statements period at the Simi Valley City Council meeting to press elected officials to take action after a series of recent incidents involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Speakers described alleged ICE tactics that, they said, include masked agents using unmarked vehicles, vehicles without visible license plates, high‑speed maneuvers and an incident in which an ICE vehicle struck a home. Organizers and residents urged the council to place a public agenda item to clarify Simi Valley Police Department (SVPD) practices, request transparency about any local collaboration with federal agents and consider local policy steps to protect residents.

The requests were made by multiple speakers representing community groups and rapid‑response networks. Sarah Wilcheski, identified in the meeting as a volunteer with 805 Undocufund and VC Defensa, told the council she is “angry, sad, and tired,” that families are living in fear and urged the council to “put an item on the agenda to review what can be done at the local level” about ICE operations. Joseph Dobzinski, a resident who reported observing activity at the Camarillo field office, said he has witnessed aggressive tactics and urged the council to “make the appropriate agenda items for the next city council meetings and beyond.”

Speakers described specific incidents they wanted the city to address publicly: a reported crash of an ICE vehicle into a residential structure that left people temporarily homeless and a reported detention of a U.S.‑born resident. Ryan Drury of VC Defensa called the pattern “a terror campaign,” said community organizations are stepping in to support impacted families and urged the council to state “what side you are on.” Several people urged the council to support legal defense funds, create oversight of any joint activity with federal agents and add a public discussion to the agenda.

Organizers repeatedly offered a local rapid‑response hotline for people who think they see ICE or need assistance: VC Defensa’s public hotline (805) 296‑1119 and an additional number, (805) 870‑8855, were shared during the public comments. Multiple speakers said volunteers are providing neighborhood monitoring, accompaniment and material support while urging permanent policy responses from the city.

Council reaction at the meeting was limited to remarks that the comments were being heard. Councilmember Joseph Ayala said he would reserve new‑business proposals until the end of the meeting but later indicated he would work with staff on an initial forum or follow‑up. Councilmember Elaine Lister said she wanted clearer factual information about specific incidents and suggested a public informational discussion to clarify what local police can and cannot do regarding federal agents.

No formal council action was taken at the meeting. Several residents and organizers said they will return to future meetings until the council schedules a discussion on the issue.