Angelica Salas, executive director of CHIRLA, blamed the Trump administration for attempting to discourage voting and announced that the organization and others will deploy legal observers across California as part of the Can’t Stop California campaign. Salas urged voters not to be intimidated, emphasizing the importance of their voices and the state's commitment to protecting immigrants' right to participate in elections.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Chandler Rebel, stated that individuals in the country legally and not breaking laws have no reason to fear. Rebel also issued a warning to noncitizens who vote in U.S. elections, stating they will be apprehended and face consequences, including deportation.
Despite previous assurances from the Department of Homeland Security that agents would not be sent to polling sites, President Trump has previously indicated a willingness to take necessary steps to ensure election integrity. Immigration advocates have raised concerns that increased raid activity could deter people from voting, noting a rise in detentions this summer compared to the previous year.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass accused President Trump of using the raids as a distraction from domestic issues like rising gas prices and his foreign policy. Bass encouraged voters who feel fearful to cast their ballots by mail and stated she is working to increase protections by having the Los Angeles Police Department document federal enforcement activities.
Councilmember Imelda Padilla reported that her district has been significantly impacted by the raids, describing the activity as chaotic and unprofessional. She urged community members to support their neighbors by offering assistance with transportation, groceries, or escorting children to school.