Farina Centeno, an immigration legal advocate with CHIRLA, told listeners on Radio Centro that "hay ayuda" (there is help) for migrant families in Humboldt County but that many do not know where to turn.

Centeno outlined three recurring barriers she has seen while visiting rural communities on the North Coast: a lack of reliable Spanish-language information, geographic isolation with few local immigration attorneys, and fear of immigration enforcement that deters people from seeking help. "Muchas familias migrantes no saben dónde acudir ni qué servicios están disponibles," she said, adding that limited Internet access and transportation problems keep some residents from reaching clinics.

The nut of Centeno’s message was that trusted local institutions are critical. She credited Centro del Pueblo for helping residents get to free legal consultations and recommended that local governments fund community training and empower local leaders to act as bridges between service providers and families. "Lo que necesitan las comunidades... es que haya una institución que puedan ellos confiar, que se sientan acompañados," Centeno said.

Centeno described CHIRLA’s current outreach methods: in-person legal clinics in partnership with local groups, regular social-media posts, and webinars held about once or twice a month to share changing information on immigration programs, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). She said CHIRLA offers free DACA assistance and can schedule virtual or phone appointments for eligible students, staff or family members.

To schedule help, Centeno gave a phone number and an online resource: callers can reach CHIRLA at (213) 201-3793, and CHIRLA’s legal portal is available at legal.chirla.org. She said CHIRLA is a nonprofit with experienced staff, noting an attorney in the department with about 13 years’ experience handling immigration matters.

Centeno also urged donations and volunteer support — from interpreters to people who can help with social-media outreach — to keep services free. "Para que estos servicios sigan siendo gratis para la comunidad necesitamos ese apoyo," she said.

The interview aired on Access Humboldt’s Spanish-language program Radio Centro (96.7 FM and the station’s YouTube channel). Centeno closed with a reassurance to Humboldt County’s migrant families: "no están solos… Pueden contar con nosotros para recibir lo que es una orientación legal, apoyo comunitario y hay un acompañamiento en cada paso del camino."