Santa Ana Residents Voice Outcry Over ICE Presence and Mayor’s Reaction

Numerous Santa Ana citizens echoed their sentiments loud and clear at the local city hall this past Tuesday. Their outcry was a reaction to recent ICE raids, the presence of the National Guard in downtown Santa Ana, and the police handling of the ensuing protests. Vocal demands emerged for the stepping down or recall of Mayor Valerie Amezcua, who was deemed to have failed in effective leadership amid these trying circumstances. Accusations of creating a harmful atmosphere in the city during this critical juncture were levied against Amezcua, following the federal immigration crackdowns.

Mayor Amezcua’s standing among the people has been adversely impacted due to a message she posted previously. The statement, critiquing the protests as futile and detrimental, including labeling them as ‘pure violence’ and ‘destruction’, did not sit well with many. She also pointed a finger at several city council members and a county supervisor, accusing them of endorsing this damage, however, no significant destruction was confirmed.

A substantial number of over a hundred local residents participated in the public discourse that continued for about a span of five hours. Amezcua’s leadership choices were challenged by nearly all participants save two. The manner in which the local law enforcement agencies were conducting themselves also became a point of contention.

The response of the city police was scrutinized, as the deployment of rubber bullets and tear gas against the protesters was considered excessive by many. It’s worth noting that in Santa Ana, Latinos form more than 75% of the population. Consequently, calls for Amezcua’s resignation gained momentum, overlapping with murmurs about a possible recall.

Amezcua countered the criticism by articulating that neither was she in favor of ICE nor did she wish for the National Guard’s presence in the city. Despite this, she recognized the limitations of her capacity in demanding their departure. Additionally, she revealed that her home had been subjected to an attack.

Not only Amezcua but the entire city council came under fire as the residents pressed on the need to address the use of tear gas and pepper bullets against protesters. Post the exhaustive public comments, the city council members were seen encouraging unity and brotherhood among their constituents, while expressly avoiding blame-shifting.

The council members notably added that their hands were bound within certain restrictions when dealing with federal immigration raids or the involvement of the National Guard. The council explained that they had restricted influence in controlling the presence of these federal entities.

Furthermore, Amezcua’s recent activity on social media was criticized by the city’s residents. She was the subject of much disapproval for an array of adverse comments she had put forth. In particular, her interview with ABC7 the past week was received negatively by the populace.

In her interview, the Mayor’s claim, ‘I’m not about photo ops. I’m not going to stand up and raise my arm and give my Chicano – you know – fist pump because it makes me look good’ was widely frowned upon. This comment came under extensive analysis and disapproval.

Every city council member present during the session expressed their inability to expel ICE or the National Guard from Santa Ana. The members reaffirmed that they had little to no power to regulate the presence and actions of these federal bodies within city jurisdiction.

However, the council members did voice their concern regarding the potential for improvement in the law enforcement agencies’ response to protests. They acknowledged that the Santa Ana police department could indeed do better.

While acknowledging flaws in their local systems, council members also emphasized the federal government’s role in the situation. They expressed that the responsibility for the current situation not only lies within the city governance but also at the federal level.

Wrapping up the exhausting five-hour meeting, council members and city officials pledged to reassess their actions and responses. Within this commitment, they recognized the need for constructive dialogue with residents, better police response, and working towards positive change amid these tumultuous times.