Urgent Crisis

The Rising Tide of ICE Activity in Santa Barbara

ICE Agents Nationally

Doubled from 10,000 in just one year (2025–2026), with ~4,000 new officers being trained this fiscal year on a shortened program.

Local Detentions

People detained by ICE in Santa Barbara County and surrounding areas in 2025, including 150+ arrested in a single 4-day blitz at year’s end.

No Criminal Record

Federal data shows half of those arrested nationally had no prior criminal record, despite government claims of targeting hardened criminals.

Families Torn Apart: The Human Cost

The Reality

Over 1,500 families across the Santa Barbara region were separated by ICE raids in 2025. A 4-day holiday blitz between Christmas and New Year’s Eve alone netted 147 arrests in Santa Barbara and SLO counties. In March 2026, DHS expanded enforcement to target legal refugees without green cards.

The impact extends far beyond numbers. Many community members have been pushed into hiding, unable to access workplaces or send children to school safely. High school students report carrying IDs to prove citizenship. One student in Santa Maria said:

“Many of my friends are carrying their IDs to school to prove they’re citizens.” — Maydeli, Santa Maria high school student.

The escalation reached a boiling point in summer 2025, with large-scale raids that left one man dead and a U.S. citizen mistakenly detained. Since then, enforcement has only intensified — with armed, masked agents conducting operations in residential neighborhoods without prior notice to local police.

Enforcement Data

Holiday Blitz: Arrests by City (Dec. 26–31, 2025)

Santa Maria

87 Arrests

Paso Robles

12 Arrests

San Miguel

10 Arrests

San Luis Obispo

9 Arrests

Other SB/SLO County

29 Arrests

147 total arrests across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties in just 4 days — advocates put the figure at 147, DHS confirmed 118. Sources: New Times SLO, Jan. 2026.

ICE Operations Spark Community Confrontations

Dec. 26–31, 2025 — Central Coast Holiday Blitz

147 arrests across Santa Barbara and SLO counties in 4 days. ICE used SBCC’s parking lot as a staging ground. Children returned home to empty houses.

January 28, 2026 — Eastside Santa Barbara

ICE agents pepper-spray community observers during a morning operation. SBResiste volunteers begin daily 5–8 a.m. street patrols in response.

February 19, 2026 — DHS Expands Refugee Arrests

DHS issues memo authorizing ICE to arrest legal refugees who haven’t obtained green cards after one year — a major policy reversal from 2010 guidance.

February 20, 2026 — Downtown Carrillo Street

80-year-old defense attorney Doug Hayes is pepper-sprayed and tackled by an ICE agent after intervening in the arrest of Jack Randmaa, 27, accused of slashing an ICE vehicle tire. Video goes viral nationally.

March 10, 2026 — City Council Clashes Over Police Role

Mayor Rowse and Councilmember Santamaria clash sharply. Council votes unanimously to continue strengthening a resolution protecting all residents regardless of immigration status, and orders a full audit of the Flock Safety license plate reader contract.

A Moment That Shook the Nation

On February 20, 2026, video footage of an ICE agent pepper-spraying and tackling 80-year-old defense attorney Doug Hayes on a downtown Santa Barbara street went viral nationally — becoming a flashpoint in the debate over the use of force by federal immigration agents in American communities.

Community Pushback and Institutional Responses

SBCC Takes a Stand

After ICE used the college parking lot as a staging ground for raids in December 2025, Santa Barbara City College Trustees issued a powerful declaration: “ICE is not welcome here.” The college has since worked to ensure campus spaces are not used for federal enforcement operations.

Flock Safety Under Scrutiny

The Santa Barbara City Council ordered a full audit of the city’s contract with Flock Safety license plate readers on March 10, 2026, amid concerns that location data could be shared with federal immigration authorities. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed it had disabled nationwide data-sharing features to comply with California’s SB 54.

Rapid Response Network

SBResiste volunteers conduct daily morning patrols from 5–8 a.m. — the peak hours for ICE arrests — wearing orange bandanas, blowing whistles, and demanding agents show warrants. The network also runs evening defense training sessions and weekend canvassing events.

New Policy Threat: Legal Refugees Now at Risk

A February 2026 DHS memo now authorizes ICE to arrest legal refugees who have not obtained green cards after one year — reversing a 2010 policy. Community advocates warn this dramatically expands the population at risk of detention.

Public Safety

Political and Public Safety Concerns

Council Divided on Police Role

At the March 10, 2026 City Council meeting, Mayor Randy Rowse and Councilmember Wendy Santamaria clashed sharply. Police Chief Kelly Gordon confirmed SBPD does not enforce immigration law but stated officers lack legal authority to arrest ICE agents who use force. The Council voted unanimously to continue co-creating a stronger resolution with community organizations.

Undertrained Agents in the Field

ICE shortened agent training from 6 months to just 6 weeks to rapidly deploy 12,000 new hires. Whistleblower Ryan Schwank warned: “ICE will graduate thousands of officers who do not know their constitutional duty.”

Data Privacy & Refugee Policy Concerns

The City Council ordered a full audit of the Flock Safety license plate reader contract on March 10, 2026. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed it disabled nationwide data-sharing features to comply with California’s SB 54. Separately, a new DHS memo now authorizes ICE to arrest legal refugees without green cards, expanding enforcement to those who entered the country legally.

The Ongoing Impact on Santa Barbara’s Social Fabric

Fear Disrupts Daily Life

Students carry IDs to school to prove citizenship. Workers skip shifts. Parents avoid routine activities. ICE’s morning arrest pattern — most active between 5–8 a.m. — has reshaped daily schedules across Eastside, Westside, and Santa Maria neighborhoods. A new DHS policy now also targets legal refugees without green cards, broadening the scope of who faces arrest.

Escalating Use of Force

Multiple documented incidents of pepper spray, physical takedowns, and dangerous driving by federal agents. The pepper-spraying of 80-year-old attorney Doug Hayes in February 2026 drew national attention and intensified calls for federal accountability. Agents operate without body cameras or visible identification.

California Deportations Surge

ICE deported at least 8,250 people from California in the first 9 months of 2025 — a 200%+ increase by mid-year, on pace for ~13,000 by year’s end vs. 4,000 in all of 2024. Street arrests increased 11-fold nationally, with half of those arrested having no criminal record, according to the Deportation Data Project.

Statewide Data

California ICE Deportations Surge in 2025

Q1 2025 (Jan–Mar)

500 Monthly avg deportations

Q2 2025 (Apr–Jun)

700 Monthly avg deportations

Q3 2025 (Jul–Sep)

1520 Monthly avg — 200%+ increase

2024 Full Year

4,000 Total CA deportations

2025 Projected

13,000 On pace by year’s end

ICE deported at least 8,250 people from California in the first 9 months of 2025 alone. Sources: Sacramento Bee, Jan. 2026 / Deportation Data Project, Feb. 2026

What’s Next? Community Resilience and Advocacy

The path forward requires sustained community action across multiple fronts — from immediate emergency response to long-term systemic change and policy reform.

Advocate

Pursue city and county policy reforms together.

Organize

Mobilize grassroots groups for rapid response.

Protect

Safeguard families, due process, and trust.

Community Action Continues

• SBResiste volunteers patrol streets daily 5–8 a.m., the peak hours for ICE arrests. They need funding.

• City Council ordered audit of Flock Safety license plate reader contract (March 10, 2026)

• Resolution strengthening protections for all residents regardless of immigration status is being co-created with community organizations

• Advocates push for ICE agents to wear body cameras and carry visible identification

• New DHS refugee arrest policy (Feb. 2026) has expanded advocacy efforts to protect legally admitted residents

• Focus remains on protecting families, ensuring due process, and rebuilding community trust

Conclusion: Santa Barbara Stands Together

The Impact is Real

ICE’s expanded presence has profoundly affected thousands of families and community members, creating fear, separation, and conflict in our neighborhoods.

Resilience Rises

Despite intimidation and uncertainty, Santa Barbara’s residents and leaders continue mobilizing for justice, safety, and human dignity.

The Fight Continues

Protecting community cohesion and ensuring due process remain ongoing battles as we face federal enforcement—but we face them together.

Sources

• Santa Barbara Independent — ‘We Keep Us Safe: The People Fighting to Keep ICE Out of Santa Barbara’ by Ryan P. Cruz, March 5, 2026.

• edhat — ‘Tense ICE Debate Erupts at Santa Barbara City Council Meeting,’ March 12, 2026.

• Los Angeles Times — ‘118 detained in Central Coast ICE raids,’ January 2, 2026.

• New Times SLO — ‘Advocates concerned about the recent surge in ICE arrests on the Central Coast,’ January 8, 2026.

• Santa Barbara News-Press — ‘Immigration crackdown pushes some into hiding, others into the streets,’ February 11, 2026.

• Santa Barbara News-Press — ‘DHS instructs ICE agents to arrest refugees without green cards,’ March 1, 2026.

• NY Post — ‘Attorney, 80, shoved, pepper sprayed by ICE agents in Santa Barbara,’ February 22, 2026.

• KCBX — ‘ICE agents pepper sprayed a Santa Barbara attorney during alleged vandalism arrest,’ February 23, 2026.

• The Hill — ‘ICE whistleblower accuses agency of deficient, defective and broken training,’ February 23, 2026.

• Reuters — ‘ICE struggles to vet recruits amid immigration enforcement push,’ February 26, 2026.

• Government Executive — ‘ICE more than doubled its workforce in 2025,’ January 5, 2026.

• NPR — ‘How ICE grew to be the highest-funded U.S. law enforcement agency,’ January 21, 2026.

• DHS / ICE Press Release — ‘ICE Announces Historic 120% Manpower Increase,’ January 3, 2026.

• DHS / ICE Press Release — ‘ICE Arrests 118 Illegal Aliens in California Surge Operation,’ January 5, 2026.

• Sacramento Bee — ‘ICE deportations and arrests surge across California in 2025,’ January 12, 2026.

• Deportation Data Project / UC Berkeley Law — Second update on ICE removals data, February 17, 2026.

• CNN — ‘Trump administration expands ICE’s ability to detain legal refugees,’ February 19, 2026.

• Congressional Hispanic Caucus — ‘Consequences Of Trump’s Mass Deportations,’ March, 2026

Context

The Context: California vs. ICE Enforcement

Sanctuary State Status

California’s Values Act (SB 54, enacted 2018) limits local law enforcement cooperation with ICE. In early 2025, a repeal attempt in San Diego County failed to secure the required votes.

Federal Tensions

Since Trump took office in January 2025, ICE has conducted raids across California including in Los Angeles. ICE enforcement in courthouses has been documented in 17 California counties as of early 2026.

Protection Priority

California has responded with a wave of new legislation in 2025–2026 to protect immigrant communities, restrict ICE access to sensitive locations, and hold federal agents accountable.

Senate Bill 747: The “No Kings Act”

Legislative Status

Introduced February 21, 2025 by Senators Scott Wiener (D-SF) and Aisha Wahab. Passed the California Senate 30–10 on January 27, 2026. Now advancing to the Assembly for final approval.

Core Protection

Creates a first-in-the-nation legal pathway for residents to seek financial damages in state court for civil rights violations — including excessive force, false arrest, and wrongful detention — committed by federal officers including ICE agents. Mirrors federal civil rights law (42 U.S.C. § 1983) but applies to federal agents. Includes a 2-year statute of limitations and is retroactive to March 1, 2025.

Historical Context

Named in response to the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, and broader concerns about Trump-era immigration enforcement abuses. Sen. Wiener stated: “If the federal government won’t hold these agents accountable for violating the Constitution, we will.”

Ban on ICE Courthouse Arrests: SB 873

Protecting Access to Justice

SB 873 aims to prohibit ICE from making arrests inside or around California courthouses, ensuring immigrants can safely attend court proceedings without fear of sudden detention. Introduced January 6, 2026 by Sen. Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-San Bernardino) in response to documented ICE courthouse arrests in 17 California counties since Trump took office. California Supreme Court Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero has also expressed concern about the “chilling effects” of courthouse enforcement on access to justice. The bill is currently advancing through the legislature.

• Applies to all state and local courthouses and their grounds

• Protects defendants, witnesses, victims, and family members

• Reinforces constitutional right to counsel and due process

• Chief Justice Guerrero’s office has documented ICE activity in 17 courthouses statewide

Economic Pressure

Taxing Private Detention Companies: AB 1633

Target

For-profit private detention facility operators with ICE contracts

Method

Introduced January 26, 2026 by Assemblymember Matt Haney. Imposes an annual tax equal to 50% of gross receipts on operators, beginning January 1, 2027. Requires a 2/3 supermajority.

Goal

Reduce reliance on private detention, increase accountability, and generate revenue for immigrant services.

Revenue would be deposited into a new “Due Process for All Fund” in the State Treasury, directed toward immigration-related legal services and support programs. The bill requires a 2/3 supermajority vote in both chambers to pass and is currently in committee review.

Prohibiting Law Enforcement Moonlighting as ICE Agents: AB 1537

Clear Boundaries

Stops local officers from working simultaneously as ICE agents

Building Trust

Prevents conflicts of interest within immigrant communities

Currently advancing through the 2025-2026 legislative session, AB 1537 reinforces California’s sanctuary policies by ensuring local law enforcement maintains clear separation from federal immigration enforcement.

This bill builds on the existing California Values Act (SB 54, 2018), which already limits local law enforcement cooperation with ICE. These critical protections help immigrant communities feel safe reporting crimes, cooperating with investigations, and engaging with local police without fear of triggering deportation proceedings.

Restrictions on ICE Use of State Property & Vehicles

State Property Ban

Pending legislation in the 2026 session aims to prohibit ICE from using state facilities as staging grounds for enforcement operations.

Vehicle Rental Restrictions

Pending legislation in the 2026 session seeks to prevent rental car companies from providing vehicles to ICE for enforcement activities.

Legislative Leadership

Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi authored AB 49 (Safe Haven Schools Act), signed into law on September 20, 2025, to protect students. Meanwhile, Assemblymembers Jesse Gabriel and Jessica Caloza are leading efforts to limit ICE’s operational footprint through new legislative proposals.

Safe Haven Schools Act (AB 49)

Signed into law in 2025, this measure prohibits ICE from entering school campuses without a valid ID and a judicial warrant, protecting 133,000 undocumented children and 750,000 students with undocumented parents.

CDCR Policies

CDCR and ICE Coordination Limits

Key Protection

California Department of Corrections cannot hold inmates beyond release dates for ICE pickup.

Notification Requirements

CDCR must notify ICE about detainees but cannot extend custody for federal transfer.

Equal Treatment

Immigration status no longer affects prison housing assignments or program access.

Humane Standards

Reflects California’s commitment to dignified treatment regardless of immigration status.

Accountability (SB 1257)

Introduced Feb 19, 2026, this bill mandates annual Attorney General reports on immigration enforcement at safe locations, creating a formal tracking mechanism starting Oct 30, 2027.

What You Can Do Now

Support Civil Rights Lawsuits

Use SB 747 (No Kings Act), which passed the Senate 30-10 on Jan 27, 2026, to challenge ICE misconduct through state court civil rights actions.

Leverage Courthouse Protections

Monitor SB 873’s progress; document and report any ICE courthouse arrests to the CA Supreme Court Chief Justice’s office, which is tracking incidents statewide.

Protect Students Under AB 49

The Safe Haven Schools Act (signed Sept 2025) is now law; schools must require a judicial warrant before allowing ICE entry; report any violations.

Report Resource Violations

Challenge ICE use of state resources; support SB 1257 which would require the AG to track and report all ICE incidents at sensitive locations.

Conclusion: California’s Legal Shield for Immigrants

Leading the Nation

California sets the standard with AB 49 (Safe Haven Schools Act, Sept 2025) and a robust 2026 legislative wave—including SB 747, SB 873, AB 1633, AB 1537, and SB 1257—limiting ICE’s reach.

Community Empowerment

With AB 49 now law and SB 747 advancing through the Senate to the Assembly, communities are equipped with concrete, evolving legal tools to challenge ICE abuses.

Active Engagement Required

Key 2026 bills still require Assembly passage and the Governor’s signature; continued advocacy and community awareness are critical to securing these protections.

Sources & References

Legislation (CA Legislature)

• SB 747 (No Kings Act) — leginfo.legislature.ca.gov — Introduced Feb 21, 2025; passed CA Senate Jan 27, 2026

• AB 49 (Safe Haven Schools Act) — leginfo.legislature.ca.gov — Signed into law Sept 20, 2025

• SB 873 (Courthouse ICE Arrest Ban) — leginfo.legislature.ca.gov — Introduced Jan 6, 2026

• AB 1633 (Private Detention Facility Tax) — leginfo.legislature.ca.gov — Introduced Jan 26, 2026

• SB 1257 (Immigration Enforcement Report) — leginfo.legislature.ca.gov — Introduced Feb 19, 2026

• SB 54 (California Values Act) — leginfo.legislature.ca.gov — Enacted 2018

News & Analysis

• KQED: “California Senate Approves Bill Making It Easier to Sue ICE Agents” — Jan 27, 2026 — kqed.org

• CalMatters: “California chief justice monitoring immigration arrests at courts” — Jan 30, 2026 — calmatters.org

• Axios SF: “SF moves to create ‘ICE-free zones’” — Feb 25, 2026 — axios.com

• CA Assemblymember Muratsuchi Press Release: AB 49 signing — Sept 21, 2025 — a66.asmdc.org

• JDSupra / Hanson Bridgett: “As ICE Rolls Into California” — June 12, 2025 — jdsupra.com

• Digital Democracy / CalMatters: AB 1633 bill tracking — digitaldemocracy.calmatters.org

• SBCSentinel: “Senator Gómez Reyes Pursuing Legislation Banning Immigration Enforcement In & Around Courthouses” — Jan 2026

All legislative information current as of March 16, 2026. Bill statuses subject to change as the 2025–2026 legislative session continues.

ICE in the City

Santa Barbara residents are deeply concerned and exhausted due to the recent violent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in January and February 2026. These operations have raised fears of additional confrontations, abductions, chaos, and violence in our streets. Community sentiment, as expressed by residents and trained observers, has reached a collective conclusion: they don’t feel supported by the Santa Barbara Police Department (SBPD). Consequently, SBPD is facing scrutiny through numerous public comments at Santa Barbara City Hall and across various community social media platforms.

To date, community members express confusion about the purpose and role of the SBPD during these often brutal paramilitary operations. At times, observers have shouted, “What do we need you for? You’re just in the way!”

The SBPD maintains that it cannot interfere or obstruct a “federal operation.” However, the question arises: where does the SBPD’s role and duty begin and end in “maintaining the peace” for all individuals involved during the ICE “operation,” to prevent blatant injury or even death?

Many observers believe that the SBPD’s role is clear: they are colluding with ICE and assisting with ICE operations, rather than maintaining the peace or preserving public welfare.

So, what exactly is the role of the SBPD? Its mission statement provides some insight:

“The mission of the Santa Barbara Police Department is to provide for the public safety through the philosophy of community oriented policing. It is to protect and serve our community where all people can live in peace without fear of crime. It is to ensure a professional quality of service and accountability to the citizens of Santa Barbara and to all who should call upon our service”.—Santa Barbara Police Department

Chief of Police Kelly Gordon has faced scrutiny and has been compelled or directed to make a public statement regarding ICE and the community’s concerns about the Santa Barbara Police Department’s role.

“Every person who lives, works, visits, learns, or raises a family in Santa Barbara deserves to be treated with dignity and care. Recent immigration enforcement actions in Santa Barbara and other parts of the country have created fear, confusion, and a sense of vulnerability. We want to reassure our community that our mission remains unchanged: community safety and well‑being. We are focused on listening, engaging, and maintaining trust with the community. The broader climate also affects the men and women of the Santa Barbara Police Department not only as public servants, but as neighbors, family members, and community members themselves.” —Chief Kelly Gordon, Santa Barbara Police Department.

The public remains apprehensive, uncertain, and bewildered about how their safety, right to protest, and well-being will be safeguarded in the event of another confrontation between community residents and ICE agents. These concerns persist as an amendment to the current City Council Immigration Resolution, drafted in 2025, is expected to include enhanced and more deliberate protections.

Amending the Resolution

Amending the resolution has sparked both support and concerns. A community member raised a question, asking if amending, enhancing, and emphasizing the ICE resolution passed in July 2025 would result in more raids. They also expressed worries about the potential unforeseen consequences of an enhanced and explicitly promoted “Sanctuary City” status. These concerns will be addressed during upcoming Santa Barbara City Council meetings in the coming weeks.

As each passing day intensifies community fears and diminishes patience, some cities are proactively taking action. They are establishing more structured procedures for city law enforcement to verify the legitimacy of ICE warrants. This is done to prevent confusion and potential escalations of violence, ultimately safeguarding lives and community safety. Cities like Santa Barbara can learn from these models to help maintain their safety and well-being.

February 20, 2026 | Downtown Santa Barbara Incident

What Caused the Incident

On February 20, 2026, ICE violently tackled an observer to the ground, piled on top of him, and held him in a headlock for several minutes. The ICE agent’s fist was forcefully pressed against his neck, causing him to turn purple. Jack Randmaa was accused of allegedly damaging an ICE vehicle tire, but observers dismissed this claim. Regardless of whether the vandalism occurred, the brutal tackle and chokehold of the 27-year-old citizen was excessive and unnecessary, as he was subdued and had no access to weapons.

“Let him go! You’re killing him!” yelled one observer from SB Resiste who was on the scene.

Who was Missing at the Scene?

The entire incident unfolded within a mere ten minutes in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Interestingly, several crucial entities were absent from this unfolding drama. Where was the Santa Barbara Police Department? Where was County Probation? Despite the fact that police sirens never blared and were never dispatched to the area—which is just under 800 feet away, or two blocks away—the entire station should have been able to hear the honking, screaming, whistling, and other desperate cries of the crowd. Yet, remarkably, no one from the SBPD showed up to a critical incident that demanded the preservation of peace.

The entire incident unfolded on the pavement without any police intervention at the scene. Furthermore, the City Fire Station, located two blocks away, was not called to assess the safety of the two individuals who were pepper-sprayed and violently thrown to the ground. Santa Barbara City Fire always responds within minutes to all calls. But not this time.

Community Calls out Collusion

Observers arrived at the SBPD station, hoping to uncover the truth about ICE agents being permitted to park their vehicle inside the SBPD lot while officers formed a perimeter around them. It’s intriguing that, according to law enforcement training, officers are instructed to face the “threat.” In this case, the officers were facing community members, yet they never confronted the ICE agents. The crowd’s reaction during this scene was marked by the repeated use of expletives, such as “collusion, collusion, how dare you! Let him [Jack Randmaa] go!”

The Question of the 911 Calls

The community is curious to know if there were any 911 calls made during the incident. How many were there? Many observers called 911 in between their labored whistle blowing. It’s important to know—factually—if there were any calls for service to the Santa Barbara Police Department. Unless there was a total systems breakdown, calls to dispatch operating underneath the SBPD building should be plentiful. Unfortunately, no one from the SBPD arrived at the scene. It’s also critical to point out the SBPD is only 1.5 blocks away.

It’s crucial to identify the individual who made the decision to prevent the deployment of the SBPD to the scene. Given the SBPD mission is to “provide for the public safety,” it’s evident that public safety was not adequately provided that day. Moreover, the failure to respond to the 911 call raises significant concerns about transparency that must be addressed. In response, community residents have already requested public records of all calls that occurred starting around 10:40 AM on February 20, 2026.

Liabilities Were Fortunately Avoided, or Were They?

Furthermore, the Santa Barbara Police Department (SBPD)’s failure to respond promptly to the scene could have jeopardized their mission and duty to protect and serve all citizens. Firstly, Mr. Randmaa’s life was endangered due to the ongoing chokehold. Secondly, eighty-year-old defense attorney Doug Hayes arrived at the scene concerned about Mr. Randmaa’s safety and well-being. Had the SBPD been present to maintain peace, as is their mandate, Mr. Hayes might not have been forced to risk harm to check on Mr. Randmaa’s well-being.

Thirdly, why were ICE agents permitted to place their suspect in a vehicle that ICE had accused him of vandalizing? Is that not evidence tampering? If the vehicle had a flat tire, why did the SBPD allow ICE to place Mr. Randmaa in the vehicle—that they knew was unsafe—and drive off to the station one block and a half away? Why not just walk there and call a tow truck to remove the ICE vehicle from Carillo Street.

Furthermore, it has been publicly acknowledged that the Santa Barbara Police Department was aware of the incident. Consequently, the City of Santa Barbara is fortunate that the public was not harmed by a highly charged officer who was clearly comfortable displaying and using violence against the community while driving a three-wheeled vehicle through our downtown streets.

Once again, who made the decision not to respond to the scene?

The Tackle Watched Around the Nation

To make matters worse, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency violently tackled and pepper-sprayed 80-year-old Santa Barbara criminal defense attorney Doug Hayes, who had arrived at the scene after hearing the loud disturbance.

Meanwhile, at the Police Station

The public remains skeptical of the SBPD’s account of the events. Community members accused the SBPD of “collusion” with ICE and neglecting to protect Mr. Randmaah, the individual accused of vandalism. Residents at the scene wanted Jack to stay at the station and undergo “processing” while the facts were being gathered. Bystanders, trained observers, and some community leaders expressed their concerns about Mr. Randmaah’s safety and well-being in ICE custody. This concern was further intensified by the fact that ICE had brutally beaten Mr. Randmaah for over 12 minutes just a few blocks away. Despite the public’s pleas, ICE left with the individual in another vehicle.

The public felt betrayed because the SBPD never responded to the scene. However, they conveniently assisted ICE agents in storing their vehicle in the SBPD parking lot when ICE informed them about their current status and requested SBPD’s assistance. It’s not surprising that the public is infuriated by the SBPD’s actions on that day.

The public strongly disagrees with the SBPD’s account of the incident. You can see their social media post below.

Santa Barbara City Council | Public Comments

Community Member and SBWPC Board Member, Elsa Granados Addresses ICE Incidents at Santa Barbara City Council.

SBWPC on ICE | Letters and Opinions

Stand United Against ICE Raids in Our Community | June 25, 2025

Letter to Santa Barbara City Council and Chief Gordon | January 31, 2026

Stand Together | February 04, 2026

ICE Incident Downtown Santa Barbara—Public Statement | February 20, 2026

California Legislation | Addressing ICE Tactics

Senate Bill 54 | Ca Values ACT

Senate Bill 805 | No Vigilantes Act

Senate Bill 627 | No Secret Police Act

No Kings Act | Sue Agents Who Violate Civil Rights

Community Resources | Local and California

805 Undocufund | Providing short-term financial relief to undocumented residents.

SB Resiste | Grassroots group working to prevent kidnappings and defend our community from ICE terror. Support here.

Immigrant Legal Defense Center | Removal Defense Program, Counseling and Case Management Program, Opening Pathways to Legal Permanent Residency for Youths, Community Education

Find Individual in Ice Detention | Use this page to locate a detainee who is currently in ICE custody or who has been in U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s custody for more than 48 hours.

Report Misconduct by Federal Agents to the California Attorney General | Use this form to report (including submitting video footage or photographic evidence) potentially unlawful activity in California by federal agents or personnel, such as officers or agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Know Your Rights | HOW THE CALIFORNIA VALUES ACT APPLIES IN JAILS

File Police Report | SANTA BARBARA POLICE DEPARTMENT

COMPLAINT FORM

News Updates | ICE in 805

1 person pepper-sprayed during altercation with ICE agents in Santa Barbara, police say

ICE Agents Confront Santa Barbara Eastside Residents with Pepper Spray, Santa Barbara Police Respond to Scene

Federal ICE Agent Pepper Sprays Person in Face in Santa Barbara Eastside Incident

Protest Follows ICE Pepper-Spray Incident on Santa Barbara’s Eastside

Santa Barbara City College Trustees Say ‘ICE Is Not Welcome Here’

KEYT Catches ICE in Lies over October Incident Involving Activist

ICE agents arrest man in Santa Barbara after alleged vandalism incident

Tackled and Pepper-Sprayed 80-Year-Old Santa Barbara Attorney Sounds Off

Full Video Shows What Led to Friday’s Violent ICE Arrest in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara attorney pepper sprayed, thrown to ground outside probation department, video shows

Community Members Clash with ICE Agents in Downtown Santa Barbara

Protests | Rallies | Vigils

Thousands Show up in Santa Barbara to Protest ICE, Trump Administration

Local Leaders Speak Out Against ICE Tactics After Pepper-Spray Incident

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Santa Barbara City Council | Public Comments

Community Member and SBWPC Board Member, Elsa Granados Addresses ICE Incidents at Santa Barbara City Council.

Santa Barbara, February 24, 2026

Mayor Rowse and members of the City Council, thank you for the opportunity to speak before you. My name is Elsa Granados. I usually address you on behalf of Standing Together to End Sexual Assault; however, today I am here as a resident of the City of Santa Barbara.

Late last week, oppression reared its ugly head in our neighborhood. We witnessed another instance in which ICE entered our streets to apprehend a person. We saw them mistreat, spray, and body‑slam another community member who was trying to help. And we saw some Santa Barbara Police Department officers standing by ICE as this situation continued to unfold in front of the PD office. Our community members are being traumatized—by the way people are being apprehended, by witnessing these actions in person, and by seeing them circulate on video. I’m sure some of you have felt this too. We must do something about it.

I understand that there are limits to your official capacity when it comes to intervening in federal actions. However, you do have significant influence over how local law enforcement engages in these situations. Chief Gordon has stated that one of SBPD’s role is crowd control. Yet my understanding is that their responsibility is to keep the peace. Crowd control and keeping the peace are not the same. Crowd control focuses on managing observers and protesters. Keeping the peace requires attending to the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved. If protesters escalate, officers can step in to de‑escalate. If ICE’s actions are causing harm, officers should also be able to intervene to ensure safety.

I ask that Chief Gordon consider creating space for officers to show their humanity and protect all individuals present. Day after day, we ask them to step into situations that are potentially harmful. I have seen their humanity firsthand when working alongside them with survivors of sexual assault.

This is where I ask for your leadership and help as a City Council. I urge you to open a town forum so that, as a community, we can speak to you openly about our concerns. I understand that there are conversations occurring on this topic, but they are behind closed doors; and not in the light where oppression needs to be exposed. This conversation should not be used for political expediency. This is an issue that affects all of us. Thank you for your time.—Elsa Granados

SBWPC on ICE | Letters and Opinions

June 25, 2025 | Stand United Against ICE Raids in Our Community

January 31, 2026 | Letter to Santa Barbara City Council and Chief Gordon

February 04, 2026 | Stand Together

February 20, 2026 | ICE Incident Downtown Santa Barbara—Public Statement

Last week, we met directly with the Police Chief and the City Administrator because our residents deserve clarity and consistent communication from their local government in moments like this. We appreciate the time they took to explain jurisdictional boundaries and operational realities. That clarity is important.

But clarity of process is not the same as moral clarity.

What people need to hear in this moment was simple: that the fear families are feeling is real, that their neighbors see them, and that the values of Santa Barbara are rooted in dignity, humanity, and respect for the people who live and work here regardless of immigration status.

This is not a question of whether local law enforcement follows the law. The Santa Barbara Police Department was not the source of residents’ fear. The fear came from watching unidentified federal agents operating in our community in ways that felt alarming, opaque, and deeply destabilizing to families and neighborhoods.

When residents ask their leaders to speak, they are not asking for a legal explanation of what cannot be done. They are asking for reassurance about who we are and what we can expect as far as protection from our local law enforcement.

Santa Barbara is a community where people look out for one another. Where children go to school together, where families work side by side, where neighbors know each other by name. Many of those neighbors are immigrants. They are part of the fabric of this city.

We believe it is possible to explain jurisdictional limits and still clearly state our values. We believe it is possible to describe what the city cannot control while also affirming what this community stands for.

And what we stand for is this: dignity, transparency, and the basic humanity of every person who calls Santa Barbara home.

We are proud of the residents who showed up, who asked questions, and who stood on the right side of history by insisting that fear and silence are not acceptable responses in moments like this. Now more than ever, we must stand together and not be divided by process but united by principle.

Christina Pizarro is president of Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee, and Claudette Roehrig is board president of Democratic Women of Santa Barbara County.

Legislative proposals include restricting ICE’s use of hotels, warehouses, parking lots, rental cars on state property, as well as increasing oversight of federal immigration agents.

• SB 54 (California Values Act): Limits local law enforcement from using resources for federal immigration enforcement.

• SB 747 (No Kings Act): Allows for lawsuits against ICE, Border Patrol, and federal agents for constitutional violations.

• AB 49 & SB 98: Prohibits warrantless immigration enforcement on school campuses and requires parental notification of ICE presence.

• SB 81: Restricts ICE from entering, or conducting enforcement in, sensitive areas of health facilities.

• SB 627 (No Secret Police Act): Prohibits federal officers (including ICE) from wearing masks/face coverings while conducting operations, though this has faced federal court challenges.

• AB 937 (VISION Act): Limits the transfer of immigrants from state prisons to ICE.

• Court Access Protection: Limits ICE from making “unannounced and indiscriminate” arrests in courthouses.

Upcoming/Proposed Legislation (As of Early 2026)

• Anti-Moonlighting Bill: Prohibits local law enforcement from working secondary jobs as federal immigration agents.

• Employment Restrictions: A proposal to prevent former ICE agents from working for local law enforcement agencies.

• These laws are part of a broader "sanctuary state" framework designed to restrict, rather than entirely stop, federal immigration enforcement, as the latter is primarily a federal, not state, authority.

Source: Calmatters

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The ICE attack on Community Members

On January 28th, 2026, chaos erupted in Santa Barbara’s Eastside. Screams, whistles, and yelling filled the air as ICE pepper-sprayed a woman on the Eastside point-blank while recording ICE activities in her neighborhood.

Community Members Accuse Police of Collusion

The Santa Barbara Police Department (SBPD) promptly arrived at the scene. However, upon their arrival, trained community observers and other witnesses at the scene expressed their disapproval, suspecting a potential “collusion” between the police and ICE agents. This suspicion stemmed from accusations that the police were obstructing observers from capturing vital evidentiary video footage while on the public right of way. Others accused SBPD of “collaborating” with ICE. The public demands answers to their questions about the SBPD’s conduct on that day. Calls for accountability are on the surge.

Calls For Community Town Hall

There are calls to host a community town hall to discuss the ICE incident and to explore what tools are available in the municipal tool box to keep residents safe from ICE’s overreach and excessive force. Although there seems to be consensus for a town hall, no member of the Santa Barbara City Council (there are 7) has actually organized one to address immediate concerns and answer questions about the incident; how the city plans to prepare for other imminent violent incidents.

Transparency

To best serve the community, this conversation should be well advertised in advance to allow enough time for the community to make plans to attend. More importantly, it should be community led by those who were there and were affected by the violence and trauma. It’s imperative we listen to their experience, thoughts, demands and recommendations, since they know what works and what does not work.

SBPD’s Response Falls Flat

On the same day, SBPD released a press release about the ICE encounter. Community members are not convinced SBPD was there to “de-escalate the situation,” instead, the public felt SBPD was “colluding” with ICE. A march and rally organized by the community followed calling for accountability and “clarity.”

“The Santa Barbara Police Department had no prior knowledge that the ICE agents would be at that location or anywhere in the City of Santa Barbara today. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation and the ICE Agents left the scene.” —Santa Barbara Police Department

Unfortunately, to many Eastside community members, the SBPD has not clearly and convincingly fulfilled their mission to the community.

“The mission of the Santa Barbara Police Department is to provide for the public safety through the philosophy of community oriented policing. It is to protect and serve our community where all people can live in peace without fear of crime. It is to ensure a professional quality of service and accountability to the citizens of Santa Barbara and to all who should call upon our service.” —The Santa Barbara Police Department

It’s clear there are systemic deficiencies and disconnect between the community and law enforcement. Building trust will be essential in protecting us all.

Solo el Pueblo Salva el Pueblo

Trust is earned. The community trusts and depends on the Rapid Response Network for updates, training, support, legal assistance, food and ICE alerts to keep the community safe and informed. It’s time the city and SBPD carries some of that load.

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