A statement from Mayor Lana Negrete on regional immigration enforcement and protests

A statement from Mayor Lana Negrete on regional immigration enforcement and protests

June 9, 2025 2:03 PM
by Mayor Lana Negrete

Dear Santa Monicans,

We acknowledge the anxiety and fear that many in our immigrant communities are experiencing after the last few days of heightened immigration enforcement across Los Angeles.

In 2016, the Santa Monica City Council adopted a resolution reaffirming our commitment to protecting all residents, regardless of immigration status. We reaffirmed this in December 2024 and remain steadfast in our position.

Santa Monica does not and will not assist federal immigration authorities in enforcing immigration laws. The city follows California State Law SB54 / The California Values Act (2017) and will only cooperate with federal immigration enforcement when an individual has been arrested for criminal activity. 

Since the beginning of this year, the city has been actively working with partners including the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, civil rights organizations, legal aid attorneys, and immigration advocates to support our most vulnerable residents.

We encourage everyone to know their rights. You can find information and resources on LA County's Office of Immigrant Affairs page or links to other local and federal resources on our Safe at Home page.

We know that, especially following the events of May 31, 2020, many residents and business owners in Santa Monica are worried about bad actors using the unrest as a cover to commit crimes and cause destruction in our city. Our community experienced similar worries as our Police Department protected homes under mandatory evacuation during the January wildfires.

Our Police Department is closely monitoring for signs of enforcement or protests in our city and has increased SMPD staffing as a precaution.  

The city respects everyone's First Amendment right to peaceful protest.  

However, individuals taking advantage of the situation to loot or vandalize within our city will be subject to arrest and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. 

As your Mayor and on behalf of the City Council, I want to assure you that we are working hard to keep our community safe and secure and to protect and uphold the rights of all.

Sincerely,

Lana Negrete
Mayor

Authored By

Mayor Lana Negrete

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