In response to surging immigration operations across California in the final weeks before the midterm elections, community leaders and elected officials said the heightened raids are meant to keep voters from the polls.
They encouraged Angelenos to be vigilant and exercise their right to vote and to vote before Nov. 3.
Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), recommended that eligible voters mail in their ballots early or use an official drop box. Those who want to vote in person can opt to visit an early voting center. Taking advantage of these early options avoids any concern about encountering the possibility of voter suppression at the polls on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Salas said multiple organizations across the state are working together in a coalition called Can’t Stop California to train individuals to be observers at polling places “when people are casting their [ballots], to protect their [vote] at the ballot box.”
“We’re protecting our people [and] we’re also protecting our people’s ability to participate in the elections,” said Salas.
As immigration raids continue expanding ahead of the election, so do community concerns, said Los Angeles City Councilmember Imelda Padilla, who represents the Northeast San Fernando Valley, speaking at CHIRLA’s LA headquarters.
“These so-called agents have been using … aggressive tactics, like crashing into cars, blocking roads and causing chaos,” said Padilla, adding that her district “has been hit the hardest.”
Videos of agents pursuing and detaining people in various areas of the valley have been widely distributed, “showcasing the madness … of what this is doing to our communities,” she said.
“Parents shouldn’t have to be afraid to take their children to school, and workers shouldn’t be afraid to show up to their jobs. … It’s all tied to making sure that we stay home and don’t vote,” said Padilla. “To those of you who can [vote] … please do not cave in to the fear. We need you to listen to our main message today, which is preparation, not panic, and solidarity, not isolation.”
Jeannette Zanipatin, policy director for CHIRLA, said people from LA to Northern California are reporting more Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, which she described as a “coordinated effort to spread fear in our communities” and attempt to intimidate voters.
The escalating sweeps are a direct result of the Trump administration’s 45-day ICE enforcement crackdown throughout California known as Operation Safe California, which began in early October. The ICE surge has impacted both metropolitan areas and agricultural regions.
“The timing of these actions, just weeks before the midterm elections, is no accident,” said Zanipatin, adding that the dual goal is to sow division and “suppress civic participation.” She urged people to document suspected ICE activity they witness when it is safe to do so; report incidents to trusted community networks, such as the LA Rapid Response Network (LARRN); support families impacted by detention or deportation; and “vote your values,” said Zanipatin.
“To those seeking to frighten our communities into silence, you will not succeed,” she said. “California immigrant communities are strong, organized and resilient. We will protect one another, defend our rights and show up at the ballot box.”
LA Mayor Karen Bass, who is running for reelection, said President Donald Trump is “putting immigrant communities at risk” in an effort to “scare people away from voting.” But despite Trump’s fearmongering tactics, added Bass, “the election is [already] going on right now.”
Be Prepared and “Stay Calm”
As ICE activity increases, families continue to be separated and traumatized. Jennifer Baltazar, a county social worker, shared her own family’s experience. Her father, who she described as “everything” to her and her brothers, was picked up by ICE last week and remains in detention.
“ICE took him from us,” said Baltazar, while holding back tears. “ICE and this administration don’t view people like my father as human [beings], don’t consider their contributions, don’t care to see what people like my father mean to [their] communities and to [their] families.”
She vowed to keep advocating for her father and others who are unjustly detained, and stressed the importance of being prepared in case a loved one is picked up, detained or deported.
“My message to other vulnerable families: create a plan of action,” continued Baltazar. “Get educated. Connect with resources that are already in place for the community.”
“And if you are stopped, do not run. Remain as calm as you possibly can,” said Salas. “Your ability to stay calm allows you to protect your rights … [including the] right to remain silent. … And by remaining calm and not running, you can also protect your life.”
She pointed out that ICE tactics have changed since the summer of 2025, resulting in more detentions. Previously, agents routinely conducted operations in the middle of the day, and the “inhumanity” was on full display. While that sometimes still happens, they are increasingly conducting raids early in the morning, so that it “happens in the shadows,” she said.
“They will wait for … people [to be] leaving for work, at 5 o’clock in the morning, 6 o’clock in the morning, so it’s really a grab and snatch. They do it as quickly as possible – get them in the car, have them disappear,” described Salas. “That is why all of us being vigilant is so important.”
“Elections have consequences. Look at the consequences we’re living with because certain people stayed home,” said Salas. “That is what we need everybody to be aware of: how crucial it is for everybody to vote.”
To find ballot drop-off locations, early voting sites and Election Day polling places, go to: www.lavote.gov/home/voting-elections/current-elections/find-my-election-information.
To reach the hotline for the Los Angeles Rapid Response Network (LARRN), call 1-888-624-4752. For the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, call (213) 833-8283, and to contact CHIRLA’s Immigrant Assistance Line, call 1-888-624-4752.
