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Oxnard residents and organizers demand action after farm raid that left one man dead
Summary
Dozens of residents and community organizers told the Oxnard City Council on July 15 they are traumatized and fearful after a July 10 ICE operation at Glass House Farms and other Ventura County sites that left one local man dead and hundreds detained.
Dozens of residents and community organizers told the Oxnard City Council on July 15 they are traumatized and fearful after a July 10 ICE operation at Glass House Farms and other Ventura County sites that left one local man dead and hundreds detained. Speakers asked the city to provide legal and housing help, consider joining litigation and craft local protections for immigrants.
The public comments opened with Martina Gallegos, who said her former students — children of field workers — live with constant fear of being picked up by ICE. Many other speakers described chaotic scenes at the Glass House site, tear gas and rubber bullets, families searching for detained relatives, and children traumatized by the raids.
Organizers said they have been collecting video evidence and legally vetting options. Attorney Vanessa Valdez, who addressed the council in English after earlier remarks in Spanish, asked the city to call an emergency meeting to place a “Jaime Alaniz Garcia” resolution on the agenda and to consider joining the lawsuit filed by the ACLU and others challenging the raids.
Multiple speakers, including Angel Garcia and Victor Solis, urged the council to press the city attorney to explore litigation and to convene an inclusive citizens group that includes farmworker and indigenous representatives. Several community members said the raids left families without income and at risk of eviction and asked for rent relief, food aid and legal representation.
Council members and city staff described steps already taken and pledged further work. Councilwoman Makayla Perez asked staff to investigate and report on whether the city can join Los Angeles and County legal action against federal agencies. Mayor Luis MacArthur and other members described on-the-ground visits and community aid efforts; the city manager said staff are working behind the scenes on potential supports and long-term solutions.
City manager remarks and council discussion underscored limits of municipal authority over federal immigration enforcement but emphasized local actions the city can take, including convening partners, supporting nonprofits providing legal aid and exploring a legal-clinic model to assist affected residents. Councilmembers also noted immediate needs: assistance obtaining withheld pay and car keys, temporary housing help, and food distribution for families affected by detentions.
The council did not vote on an emergency resolution during the July 15 meeting. Councilwoman Perez asked staff to research joining the litigation by the County and City of Los Angeles and to return with options; several council members said they will continue outreach to county and regional partners. Community groups said they will continue to collect evidence and asked the city to help centralize legal and social-service referrals.
The meeting record shows a large public turnout and extended public comment on the raids; multiple speakers described being tear-gassed and struck by rubber bullets, and organizers urged the city to act quickly to prevent further family separations and to support those already affected.
Ending: Councilmembers and staff said they would coordinate with nonprofits, county partners and the city attorney’s office on next steps. Community organizers asked the council to move quickly to turn statements of support into concrete legal and financial help for detained families.
