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Students and community members press Santa Maria council for 2‑mile immigration "safe zones"; council says it lacks authority, discusses state bills
Summary
Dozens of students and community members urged the Santa Maria City Council on Feb. 18 to create a two‑mile buffer around schools, parks, hospitals and houses of worship to prevent immigration enforcement.
Dozens of students and community members urged the Santa Maria City Council on Feb. 18 to create a two‑mile buffer around schools, parks, hospitals and houses of worship to prevent immigration enforcement in those areas.
The request drew repeated public testimony during the meeting’s public‑comment period and prompted a multi‑part response from city officials who stressed the city’s limited legal authority and suggested seeking state or federal remedies.
Why it matters: Petitioners said the proposed buffer would reduce fear among immigrant families who they said are deterred from attending school, visiting parks and seeking medical care. City leaders said they cannot unilaterally block federal enforcement inside city limits but signaled support for pursuing state‑level protections.
Students and community speakers described personal and family fear of immigration enforcement. Jesus Romero, a student who identified himself as participating in a multi‑hour march to City Hall,…
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