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Fullerton’s City Council is considering a legal and rental assistance fund for residents impacted by ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, following in the footsteps of several other Orange County cities. Councilmembers are set to decide at their next meeting on Nov. 4. Councilmember Ahmad Zahra raised the idea of exploring options for creating immigration-related assistance at a previous meeting in September, with support from Councilmember Shana Charles. A comprehensive report by city staff that followed outlined possible approaches to assist affected residents and reviewed actions taken by neighboring cities, including Costa Mesa, Anaheim, and Santa Ana. “I’m an immigrant. I came here in my 20s and I remember, very vividly, 9/11. For the younger generation, it’s a historic event now, but I lived it as a young immigrant with just a green card. I remember the fear that our Muslim community went through, but I also remember when our community banded together,” Zahra said. “We are going through a similar period of fear. As a community, I think we should band together, not in judgment of others for their status or where they came from, but as neighbors and community members.” More than two dozen people packed the most recent council meeting and a broad coalition of community members, including faith leaders, students, and advocates, expressed support for immigrants and the proposed funding. The “Fullerton is our home, it’s a place where everyone belongs. And when one of us is in fear or in need, the whole community feels it. That’s why we’re all here,” said One Life City Church Pastor Elliot Chung. “We’re not here out of impulse — we are here because we care. As citizens, as friends, as neighbors of this beautiful city, we have seen the impact these ICE raids have had on our immigrant neighbors.” A common theme centered on belonging and the importance of ensuring all residents feel included. “Our city budget is a moral document. It should reflect our values and the people who make this city strong and diverse,” said Brandy Morales, who urged the divided councilmembers to allocate funds for families impacted by immigration enforcement operations. “Our community needs more than lawsuits or statements of support. They need security, stability, and, more importantly, a sense of unconditional belonging.” A similar turnout was seen back in August, when more than 30 people spoke about the impact of immigration operations in Fullerton and urged the city to take action. The council then voted 4-0 to file an amicus brief in support of an ACLU lawsuit joined by multiple cities challenging alleged illegal actions taken during federal operations, with Councilmember Nick Dunlap absent. Last week, a council majority directed city staff to draft a resolution affirming the city’s commitment to the immigrant community and to explore options for two funds providing legal and rental assistance and other basic needs to residents. At least $100,000 would be allocated to each fund. A community effort is envisioned with individuals and businesses allowed to donate directly. Councilmember Jamie Valencia joined Zahra and Charles in support, while Mayor Fred Jung and Councilmember Nick Dunlap were opposed. Jung noted that he is also an immigrant and cited budget concerns as the reason behind his vote. “I realize when desperate communities are crying out for help, I think that’s why this council decided to defend it from a legal standpoint. But we are operating on a $10 million paper deficit, folks — that’s not a practical reality, that’s the truth,” Jung said. Santa Ana’s City Council recently allocated at least $100,000 in additional funding to its Ayuda Sin Fronteras program, which provides one month of rent and up to $500 for utilities to residents affected by immigration enforcement. Costa Mesa voted in August to set aside $200,000 for a legal defense fund, and another $100,000 in emergency assistance covering food and rent. While in Anaheim, city officials directed $250,000 for the Anaheim Contigo program, offering grants for rent, utilities, and household expenses in partnership with the Anaheim Community Foundation.
