Anaheim wants to create an immigration legal defense fund for people impacted by ICE raids

The city of Anaheim is looking to create an immigration legal defense fund for residents affected by ongoing ICE raids.

The City Council on Tuesday unanimously directed the city attorney’s office to move forward with searching and entering into an agreement with a nonprofit to provide legal aid. That fund could range from $50,000 to $100,000.

The city has had talks with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Immigrant Defenders and the Public Law Center, according to city documents.

The idea is to connect families of detained loved ones to legal professionals within the first 24 to 48 hours of an arrest. Anaheim public information officer Mike Lyster told the council it’s a critical time for families.

“As you can imagine, most families, when we approach them, have a shell-shocked look,” Lyster said. “They have no idea what to do, what's next or even where to find their loved one.”

Lyster said he and city staff have responded to over 100 incidents involving immigration enforcement or suspected enforcement.

Why it matters

Tuesday’s discussion comes as families throughout Anaheim, like many Southern California cities, continue to see immigration enforcement since last summer.

City Councilmember Carlos Leon said that in times of crisis, immigrant families can be taken advantage of by bad actors.

“I know firsthand of families that say they were charged $20,000 to $30,000 and literally have nothing to show for it,” Leon said. “And families pay that because they're scared, because they don't know who else to call, and in that moment, any answer feels better than no answer.”

Leon said he would love for the city to help families connect to legitimate guidance.

City Councilmember Natalie Rubalcava questioned the defense fund amount and said the proposed funding seemed low.

“I don't anticipate this is going to end anytime soon. Anaheim has been hit a lot lately,” Rubalcava said. “I would even be supportive if we looked at a higher amount, so we don't have to come back to council. It just gives a little more room for support when our residents need it.”

Interim City Manager Greg Garcia said he thinks the $100,000 could go a long way. He explained the money isn’t meant to pay for a staff attorney to work on a set number of cases.

“Our focus is going to be on supplementing and enhancing the intake and counseling services at the front end,” Garcia said. “But I won't have that refined scope until we finalize the agreement with our nonprofit partners.”

What about Anaheim Contigo and other programs? 

In July, the city created the Anaheim Contigo program, which provides immigrant households with financial assistance for rent, groceries and other essentials. The city also posts timely updates on immigration enforcement actions in Anaheim.

Initial funding for grants through that program was $250,000. It has so far benefited 343 Anaheim residents, according to city documents.

Starting next month, the city’s housing department will launch the “Stay Housed Anaheim Program,” which will provide one-time emergency rental assistance of up to $3,000 to qualifying residents. The Anaheim Public Utilities will expand access to electrical and water bill assistance programs.

The Contigo fund balance sits at around $45,310 and will continue to be utilized for general expenses not covered by the rental or utility programs, like medical costs, phone bills and transportation.