Residents Describe Fear After ICE Activity; Councilors Urge Federal Engagement, Local Support

Dozens of residents told the Thousand Oaks City Council on June 24 that recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the city is creating fear and destabilizing families.

Speakers described early‑morning entries by ICE and the practical harms that follow — lost wages, children left without caregivers and traumatic conditions inside detention facilities. Council members and city staff acknowledged the limits of local authority over federal immigration enforcement and urged residents to reach out to state and federal representatives while the city offers local supports.

Multiple speakers recounted specific harms. Mackenzie Tabara said the community is “living through nightmares” and called the raids “a human rights crisis.” Erica Perez, who identified herself as a Cal Fire employee, described her mother’s detention and deportation and said, “What’s…