Immigration raids disrupt lives in Montebello, officials say at community forum

Last week in Montebello, Chicano Power TV, a media platform focused on representing, empowering and uniting the Chicano community, brought together 50 influencers and creators to address the immigration issues currently impacting the city.

The mayor of Montebello Salvador Melendez was the special guest for this event, who spoke about the recent raids that took place in his community. Since the second Trump administration took office, immigrant communities have been under constant attack. Within the last two years Montebello, which is home to approximately 78% of the Latino population in the city, has been targeted several times by immigration operations. 

Ongoing raids have disrupted the lives of local residents, street vendors and businesses. The mayor has documented ICE agents detaining undocumented immigrants, along with individuals who are U.S. citizens. 

He shared that those individuals who were detained can be someone's family members, who are just trying to “provide and support for their families” while also stimulating the economy. “Those are the ‘criminals’ that this administration is going after,” he said.

Melendez stated that during one of the recent raids, the husband of a well-known tamale street vendor was detained, and that a car wash in the community has continued to be a frequent target of the operations. “We had the car wash that's been probably raided like five or six times that they keep going over and over.  These are people that are just trying to make a living, people that just wanna support,” he said.

During his speech, he also called for action from the community, saying that the Latino community needs their support now more than ever. “All of us need to stand up, all of us need to be united, we need to organize, support one another and just help each other out and really speak out because what's happening is not, not normal, it's not what this country is about and it's completely disgusting,” Melendez said.

Noel Almario also attended the meeting. Shed is a candidate for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors representing District 1, one of the largest districts, which oversees approximately two million residents. She shared with the audience that her campaign is a significant focus in her life at this time, especially while navigating the responsibilities of being a single parent.

Almario, who was born and raised in Eagle Rock in Northeast Los Angeles, shared personal stories during the meeting as immigration remained the central topic. She spoke about being raised by her immigrant father and Mexican American mother, as well as her involvement in the moratorium and student walkouts. Growing up in a mixed status household inspired her to do more advocacy in her community especially in the health field. Now, as a candidate for district one she hopes to push L.A. County into the future and create a safer community for everyone.

Magali Sanchez Hall, who is currently running for State Assembly District 65, which encompasses Compton, Wilmington, San Pedro and other communities, identifies as an Indigenous woman and as Mexican, Latina and Chicana by both political conscience and spirituality. She explained that her decision to run was driven not only by her life experiences, but also by the fact that she does not come from a political background. “I'm an environmental justice and social justice activist,” she said. “I feel for the people. I don't want more than what my brother and sister have. I want us to have the same access to things.”

Hall emphasized that she can take concrete steps to respond to the ongoing raids. She has been reaching out to members of Congress to involve Mayor Karen Bass in efforts to address what’s happening in Minneapolis and Los Angeles. She also stressed the importance of ending funding for ICE raids, stating, “We have to stop them now, and we can do that.”

When Hall was 11, she immigrated to Los Angeles. By 13, she was helping out in a quinceañera shop, ironing dresses and taking measurements. For over 25 years, she lived as an undocumented immigrant, taking on jobs such as factory work and house cleaning, roles that sustain many in the undocumented community. Through a painful chapter in her life, Hall became eligible for legal status under the Violence Against Women Act, having survived domestic violence.

When the raids first happened in 2025, the city of Montebello took action and initiated the $100,000 relief fund, which became the first pilot program aimed at supporting and providing for the community. The city council unanimously approved the funding on June 25, establishing the Montebello Humanitarian Services Program. 

Anyone can apply for the relief program regardless of immigration status. Applicants must be Montebello residents and are required to contact Montebello City Hall, where they will be connected with case workers who will guide them through the application process.

Now that the immigration operations are occurring  more frequently, the city encourages residents to remain calm and informed about their rights. Anyone who observes suspicious activity or situations that may impact public safety is encouraged to contact the Montebello Police Department.

Members of the public can report any misconduct by federal agents to the California Attorney General using this form. This includes submitting evidence of potential unlawful activity by federal personnel in California, such as officers or agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), or federalized National Guard members.