From the immigration raids that swept through the streets of Southern California—with masked and armed agents—to the demonstrations demanding an end to arrests and deportations, community members who were present every step of the way reflect on what turned out to be a year of Resistance.

Groups like the Orange County Rapid Response Network took action from the very beginning of the raids. Their members not only responded to calls for help from immigrants and citizens detained without justification, but also monitored their communities, documented arrests that occurred in court, and traveled to Tijuana to assist community members who had been deported.

They, like many residents, are the eyes, ears, and voice of their communities. Throughout this year, they have been able to support affected families, helping them locate their loved ones and access legal assistance, among other resources. This occurs within a context marked by paranoia emanating from the federal administration, which has generated fear of going out, speaking out, and being identified as undocumented. Sandra de Anda, director of policy and legal strategy for the network, notes that, between raids and targeted arrests, the group has documented hundreds of arrests and attempted arrests in Orange County, some of which were captured on social media. “It hasn't been easy, but it's been incredible to see how the community has come together to say, 'No, we're not going to tolerate this,' and how they've really supported each other,” De Anda added. We cannot assume that, because the year is ending, the intimidation, arrests, and deportations have stopped. Just this past Sunday, December 28, the rapid response group responded to an arrest at the intersection of Edinger and Grand in Santa Ana, where a street vendor selling flowers was detained. Additionally, three farmworkers were arrested in the same area on Tuesday. Thanks to community collaboration, organizers were able to identify two of the three detainees.

Casey, Co-director of the Orange County Rapid Response Network, Casey reflected and emphasized that amidst all the misfortune, there were also moments of gratitude for being able to serve those affected by the raids.“One of the things we've been able to offer people is to reduce the pain and fear of the unknown, to make sure they don't have to go through the painful process of a loved one's arrest alone,” Casey said. “We try, as much as possible, to minimize the impact of this horrific disaster, which continues to be amplified by this administration.”

Something that has deeply hurt the Latino community, and that they have consistently noticed, is that the vast majority of immigrants who are detained are people who were working at the time of their arrest, including many who have not committed any crime during their years living in the United States.

According to data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the vast majority of the more than 5,700 people detained in detention centers in California do not pose a threat to ICE. Furthermore, more than 73% of those detained have no criminal record, according to information available as of November 30, 2025.

“Even if they had committed a crime, every human being has the right to a fair trial, but this year those rights have been violated,” said De Anda.

An immigrant woman from Orange County, who prefers not to share her name for fear of reprisal, says that it has hurt her to see the treatment her community receives.

During the week she cleans houses, and on weekends she sells food on the street. She knows that every day she goes out, she risks being arrested and deported. “I mentally prepare myself from the moment I get in my car and say my prayers,” the vendor said. “I cling to my faith and pray as I drive, hoping for the best because what's happening is an injustice, but we can't let fear consume us.” She adds that, reflecting on 2025, she can say that although the raids have significantly impacted her sales, she hopes the new year will bring her community some peace. “I think we're all hoping for something better than what we're experiencing now,” the vendor said. “I'm hopeful the situation will change because we're truly going through a crisis on every level.” The Inland Empire organizing group, Citizens of Ontario, says that while they don't think the situation will end soon, they hope the new year will bring more support to everyone. The group, along with other organizations that assist the immigrant community, documented more than 200 detentions in their county this year. “We are all human, we all deserve dignity and the opportunity to improve our lives.” “For them to think that only some people deserve those rights because of the color of their skin is simply wrong,” said Michael Rios, a member of Citizens of Ontario. “I am hopeful that cities, states, and local officials will make more proactive attempts to slow down or stop ICE agents.” Last week, the Orange County Rapid Response Network, along with other advocacy groups, met with more than 240 families impacted by raids to host a holiday celebration.With food, music, and free gifts for the children, and surrounded by the community, they celebrated the work they were able to accomplish in a year that tested many. “We are grateful to everyone who supported us this year because there were so many; “These were businesses that raised funds for us,” De Anda said. “And to all those who became advocates for their communities this year.” “What we would also like to see is this issue discussed as if it were a natural disaster, and officials acting with the urgency it deserves, rather than viewing it as something beyond their control,” Casey added. “Next year, we must continue to talk about large-scale disasters, including those that cause the deaths of dozens of people, the displacement of hundreds of residents, and the loss of jobs for thousands.”