Residents urge Goleta council to declare sanctuary protections, request emergency supports after regional ICE actions

Dozens of residents urged the Goleta City Council to adopt sanctuary protections and immediate supports after regional immigration enforcement actions that speakers described as “terrorizing” local families.

Speakers at the public forum asked the council to adopt the California Values Act (SB 54) locally, prohibit local cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, fund rapid‑response and legal-assistance groups and declare an emergency to address immediate mental‑health needs.

The requests came in a series of public comments that lasted more than an hour. Cecilia Rubio, who identified herself as a community advocate, said the city should “adopt an ordinance a commitment to the California values. Act S P 54” and “make it clear that this city is a sanctuary city.” Jacqueline Inda of Casa de la Raza urged an “emergency proclamation based on mental health” to unlock funds and services for residents affected by recent enforcement actions. Karen R., a Zoom speaker who identified community rapid‑response organizations, urged the council to “shift whatever money you have … toward funding the rapid response networks” and suggested the city join pending litigation led by the ACLU.

Several speakers made the case that the region’s recent enforcement operations have included detentions in Goleta and neighboring cities, and described widespread fear in immigrant communities. Marina Chavez, who said she is affiliated with UC Santa Barbara and a Goleta resident, told council members: “We’re calling on you to lead with courage and integrity, to make Goleta a sanctuary city.” Daisy Martinez said enforcement activity has left families “afraid to drop their kids off at school” and called for “real sanctuary” and services.

Mayor Pro Tem Kasdan told the public the issue will be ongoing and asked staff to prepare information on what the city can and cannot do under state and federal law. Kasdan said he had a list of six legal and operational questions — including the practical effect of a recent federal court order limiting warrantless stops — that staff should address at a follow-up discussion. Councilmember Reyes Martin called for the city to assemble a whole‑of‑city response and requested staff return with funding options for resident supports and mental‑health services. Councilmember Smith said the city should “respond quickly” and sustain support over the long term.

Council and staff proposed holding a specially noticed public meeting to deliberate possible city actions; staff suggested Monday at 5:30 p.m. as a potential date and said an agenda would be posted if that date is confirmed. The mayor noted the formal council cannot act on non‑agendized items during the same meeting in which public comment was given but said she supported further deliberations.

What the council did not do: the meeting produced no ordinance, resolution or formal directive that night. Council members repeatedly said they would return with legal analysis and options and invited community groups to participate in a special meeting.

Why it matters: Speakers described immediate mental‑health strain, lost wages and family separations and asked the city to use its budget and political voice to protect residents and support local rapid‑response efforts. The council signaled it will pursue follow‑up, including a convening to hear legal options and specific funding proposals.

Community context and next steps: Multiple speakers identified local nonprofits (including Casa de la Raza and 805 UndocuFund) and regional coalitions working on rapid response and legal representation. Councilmembers asked staff to consult with county and state partners, to determine the geographic scope of federal court rulings cited by the public, and to identify funding sources for short‑term mental‑health and legal assistance. The council suggested a special meeting to consider those options and public commenters urged the city to join litigation and provide direct grants to community rapid‑response groups.

Speakers quoted in this report spoke during the public‑comment period at the July 15, 2025 Goleta City Council meeting.