How California Volunteers Are Supporting Immigrants and Responding to ICE

California volunteers are actively supporting immigrants at risk of detention by attending court hearings and monitoring ICE activities. Organizations like NorCal Resist and La Raza Centro Legal train volunteers to effectively participate in court accompaniment, which has proven to be a vital tool. In a notable case, a volunteer contacted legal support after witnessing an ICE detention outside a Sacramento courtroom, resulting in the individual's release later that day. Simultaneously, lawyers are filing motions to transition hearings to online formats, making it easier for applicants facing transportation challenges. Bay Area counties have established rapid-response hotlines to assist families when someone is detained, verifying reports of ICE activity and dispatching legal help.

Advocacy groups also provide resources to help families navigate the federal detainee system. Moreover, businesses are encouraged to display “No ICE Access” signs to protect workers' rights and deter unauthorized ICE enforcement. Digital tools like The ICE List and BlockICE app further empower volunteers to track enforcement patterns and document abuses, enhancing community support.