Immigration Enforcement

Information and Resources

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Throughout the region, we are seeing ongoing federal immigration enforcement activities. We recognize the fear and concern this may cause among our community members, and we want to reaffirm the City of Vernon’s unwavering commitment to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all individuals – regardless of immigration status. Vernon does not participate in federal immigration enforcement and has not been notified about enforcement operations.

Together, the City of Vernon and Vernon Police Department (VPD) remain firmly dedicated to the principles of the California Values Act (Senate Bill 54). This law restricts state and local engagement in federal immigration enforcement activities. The California Values Act protects the safety and well-being of all Californians.

The City and VPD do not inquire about immigration status or participate in federal immigration law enforcement actions conducted by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE), nor are the City and VPD in communication with federal immigration enforcement agencies and informed of their planned activities. If you see our police, they are there for everyone's safety – not immigration enforcement. The core mission of VPD is to uphold public safety, foster strong relationships with the community, and promote fairness and accountability in policing efforts. We encourage all community members to work with VPD, knowing that the Department’s role is to protect and serve without discrimination or bias.

We have confirmed that several federal agencies are engaging with community members in and around Vernon – these agencies include Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations, Department of Homeland Security, and Customs and Border Protection. If you have concerns about federal agency activity in and around Vernon and potential visits to your Vernon residence or business location, we advise you to contact a legal representative to understand your rights as an individual or as a business owner/operator.

We urge the lawful and fair treatment of community members. Enforcement activity that destabilizes our families, neighborhoods, or our economy is not good for our community.

Federal immigration enforcement has expanded beyond targeted investigations to also include broad enforcement, with federal agents from various agencies active within our community and across our region.

• Targeted enforcement can take place at homes, in neighborhoods, and at businesses with a judicial warrant or administrative warrant and can involve deportation orders or suspicion of criminal activity.
• Broader enforcement efforts include questioning "collaterals" – those that are at the scene of enforcement who are not the initial focus – or "consensual stops" where an officer asks someone in public setting if they can talk.

It is important to know that federal agencies have the legal right to conduct enforcement operations here and across the country based on actions by Congress, court decisions, and the U.S. Government Code.

If you are faced with federal agents or ICE law enforcement officers at home, on the street, or at your workplace, or if you see ICE in action, suspect ICE activity in progress, or if you or someone you know has been detained by ICE, you can refer to guidance and information provided by trustworthy sources that support immigration legal services.

The City of Vernon has established a partnership with the Coalition for Immigrant Rights Los Angeles (CHIRLA), a non-profit organization that has advocated for immigrant rights for over 30 years. This reputable organization offers numerous resources for immigrants, including an assistance hotline, legal advice and representation, and important documents and tips. Visit their website, www.chirla.org/myrights, or call 888-6-CHIRLA to learn more about how they may assist.

Always carry with you any valid immigration document you have. For example, if you have a valid work permit or green card, be sure to have it with you in case you need it for identification purposes. Carry proof of pending immigration applications.

If you are worried that ICE will detain you, let the officer know if you have children. If you are the parent or primary caregiver of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is under the age of 18, ICE might exercise discretion and opt not to detain you.

Create a safety plan. Memorize the phone number of a friend, family member, or attorney that you can call if you are detained. If you take care of children or others, make a plan to have them looked after in case you are detained. Keep important documents such as birth certificates and immigration documents (like your alien registration number, if you have one) in a safe place where a friend or family member can access them if necessary. Visit the following link to access Public Counsel’s Family Preparedness Plan: www.publiccounsel.org/publications/a-guide-to-planning-for-your-childs-care-family-preparedness/

Know how to find out if loved ones are detained by ICE. The ICE online detainee locator may be used to find an adult who is in immigration custody, or information may be gathered by calling the local ICE office.

If/when your loved one calls, ask for their A# number. ICE will provide it once they are processed.

• Locate the detained person: www.locator.ice.gov
• Contact legal help
• Contact the detention facility to plan a call or visit or figure out ways to send money to pay for necessities at the detention facility

If your loved one remains in custody at the detention facility:

• If afraid to return to their home country, your loved one should say that loudly and clearly to every immigration agent they see
• If they have lived in the U.S. for at least 2 years, they should tell an officer and show them proof

Know your rights. For advice regarding the specific circumstances of your or a loved one’s status, contact a legal representative that specializes in immigrant support and advocacy.  The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Los Angeles (CHIRLA) may be able to assist. Visit www.chirla.org/myrights or call 888-6-CHIRLA for guidance.

The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) may be accessed by calling their hotline number at 240-314-1500 or 1-800-898-7180 (toll-free) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to get information on case status, or visit their website at www.acis.eoir.justice.gov/en. 

Rapid Response Hotlines

CHIRLA Immigrant Assistance Line

• Hotline: 888-624-4752 (888-6-CHIRLA)
• Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 9AM-5PM
• After hours message line available

Los Angeles Raids and Rapid Response Network

• Hotline: 888-624-4752

Immigrant Defenders Law Center Rapid Response Legal Resource Hotline (Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial counties)

• Hotline: (213) 833-8283
• Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 9AM-4PM PST
• Website: www.immdef.org/blog/immdefrrhotline

List of California Rapid Response Networks

• Website: www.ccijustice.org/carrn

Additional Resources

• Know Your Rights - Information for Students and Families
• If You Interact with ICE
• What to Do in First 24-Hours if Someone is Detained
• ICE Out of California
• LAUSD We Are One
• American Immigration Lawyers Association
• Know-Your-Rights-Card
• Executive Office for Immigration Review

Message from Vernon Police Chief Sousa Regarding the California Values Act

The California Values Act (SB 54) was enacted to ensure that local law enforcement focuses on community safety rather than federal immigration enforcement. Under this law, Police Officers do not inquire about an individual’s immigration status, nor do they participate in immigration enforcement actions conducted by federal agencies. 

Given recent federal actions, Chief Sousa would like to reaffirm the Vernon Police Department's (VPD's) commitment to serving and protecting all members of the community, regardless of immigration status. VPD’s priority is to build trust and ensure that everyone feels safe when seeking assistance or reporting crimes. The core mission of VPD is to uphold public safety, foster strong relationships with the community, and promote fairness and accountability in policing efforts. The Department wants to encourage all community members to work with VPD, knowing that the Department’s role is to protect and serve without discrimination or bias.

If you have any questions about how the California Values Act impacts VPD policies or practices, please feel free to reach out to VPD at 323-826-1481. Please be assured that Vernon PD is here to listen, support, and ensure a safe environment for everyone in the community. 

Workplaces across the region are also being impacted by federal immigration agencies.  Employers in California must balance compliance with federal immigration law and obligations under state law, including California’s Immigrant Worker Protection Act. Under state law, employers are generally prohibited from giving voluntary consent to immigration enforcement agents to enter nonpublic areas of a workplace unless the agent has a judicial warrant.  There are two types of warrants:

1. Judicial. Signed by a federal, or sometimes state, judge and issued by a federal or state court, either U.S. District Court for federal or Superior Court of California for state. Judicial warrants must be signed by a judge with a correct address and other information.
2. Administrative. Issued by federal immigration agencies. Administrative warrants are not from a court and do not allow agents to enter private areas without your permission – these warrants are labeled "Department of Homeland Security".

Offices, warehouses, storage rooms, breakrooms and other areas the public cannot freely go are private areas of workplaces and require permission or a judicial warrant to access.

At a business, there are several types of federal enforcement that can be conducted on site which include the following:

• Form 1-9 Audits. I-9 forms ensure someone is eligible to work in the United States and federal agencies can check an operation’s I-9 compliance.
• Worksite Raids. Federal immigration enforcement agents may investigate worksites suspected of hiring unauthorized workers or those that fail to keep employment verification records.
• Targeting Specific People. An employee with a deportation order or criminal case may be targeted by federal immigration enforcement officers.
• Consensual Encounters. Federal immigration enforcement agents can engage workers in public spaces without prior permission and ask questions.

Employer Preparedness

Comply. Make sure your workplace is complying with I-9 rules.

Plan. Have a plan to deal with immigration enforcement agencies if they arrive at your place of business.

Train. Designate one person who is knowledgeable about compliance and protections to speak to federal immigration agents.

Know your rights as an employer. Secure legal representation that may assist in the event that federal immigration enforcement agents visit your facility. Federal immigration agents may not have a right to access private areas of your business, detain workers, or take documents without a warrant.

The Latino Equality Alliance (LEA) has opened Mi SELA, an LGBTQ+ community center in the City of Bell with a goal to increase family and community acceptance. Mi SELA is proud to offer:

MiSELA is located at 4265 Florence Avenue, Bell, CA 90201. The center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Their phone number is (323) 286-7224. To find out more, check out Somoslea on Instagram & TIKTOK. 

Youth Resources 

Congressman Garcia provides the following resources and opportunities to youth and young adults:

County Resources 

Los Angeles County E-Library

LA County's Summer Discovery Program

LA County Library’s Homework Help

Community Education

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training

LA County Fire

Resources and Information

We have developed this page to connect individuals and families with available resources. There are local assistance programs, food distribution centers, and community hotlines that may be accessed for help. Here, you will find information on immediate support and relief resources.

Heat Emergencies

Please take steps to stay cool and hydrated when extreme heat is forecasted to impact the region. Hot weather is expected to cause discomfort and may lead to heat-related illness for some, especially those who are vulnerable to heat. Taking precautions is the most important way to prevent heat-related illness, such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat cramps, and heat-related death.

DPH recommends the following tips to prevent heat-related illness for yourself and others:

• Stay hydrated all day. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if not feeling thirsty.
• Take precautions when outdoors. If you must go out, plan your day to avoid going out during the hottest hours, and wear lightweight, light-colored clothes, and wear a hat or use an umbrella and use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher).
• Keep your home cool. If your home becomes hot and you cannot cool it down, go to an air-conditioned space or cooling center.
• Never leave children or pets in a vehicle, even for a short time. Cars get very hot inside, even if the windows are ‘cracked’ or open. Call 911 if you see a child or pet alone in a vehicle.
• Check on those at higher risk for heat-related illness, like those who are sick or have chronic conditions, older adults, pregnant women, children, those who live alone, pets, outdoor workers and athletes, and anyone without air conditioning.
• Call 911 right away for any one of the following: confusion, fainting/passing out, hot, red skin (may be dry or damp), high body temperature (103°F or higher), fast & strong pulse, headache, dizziness, or nausea.

Residents can check their specific neighborhood conditions using the National Weather Service (NWS) HeatRisk map. Those who do not have access to air conditioning are encouraged to take advantage of free cooling centers, splash pads, and community pools. To find a location near you, visit ready.lacounty.gov/heat/ or call 211.

During heat waves, the State may activate its Operations Center to coordinate the State’s response, dispatch mutual aid, and support local communities as they respond to potential threats of heat and fire. For more information on how to prepare for emergencies and extreme weather, visit listoscalifornia.org.

You can find the most up-to-date information by visiting DPH's extreme heat website, signing up for heat advisories, and following DPH on social media (@lapublichealth) for tips and advisories on heat. Let's beat the heat together!

Medi-Cal Coverage Changes Effective July 1, 2026

Beginning July 1, 2026, Medi-Cal beneficiaries with Unsatisfactory Immigration Status (UIS) who applied before January 1, 2026, will transition to Full-Scope Medi-Cal with No Dental (FSND) coverage. While primary care services and prescription medications will continue to be fully covered, dental coverage will be limited to emergency dental services only.

If you currently have access to full dental benefits, do not wait to schedule needed dental appointments. Beneficiaries are encouraged to make appointments as soon as possible and use their dental benefits before the coverage changes take effect on July 1, 2026.

Residents are encouraged to review their benefits and stay informed about these changes. Additional information regarding covered emergency dental services and other Medi-Cal updates is available through the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) Healthcare page, Keep Your Benefits, and What Medi-Cal Members Need to Know resources.

Food Assistance 

City of Vernon and Helping Hands

Helping Hands Society of Los Angeles (Helping Hands), a nonprofit organization in Vernon, provides large scale food distribution to more than 62 partners across Los Angeles County, directing food to those in need and keeping millions of pounds of edible food out of landfills (helping comply with the State’s Edible Food Recovery Bill, SB 1383). Helping Hands estimates that 434 tons of food are rescued each month to support 22,000 families. The organization also participates in special community events, including Skid Row outreach, holiday drives, and emergency food relief.

A great resource for our Vernon residents and local community members, Helping Hands offers direct food distribution from its Vernon location. Through their Hands-On Food Box and iFeed food programs, the organization serves more than 6,200 households each week. They provide grocery bags, fresh produce, pantry staples, special seasonal items, and other necessities. Helping Hands also supports more than 250 food pantries and community organizations each month by providing food and essential resources throughout Southern California. 

To learn more, contact Helping Hands Monday-Friday from 8:00am-3:00pm by calling 323-589- 1922 or emailing info@helpinghandsofla.org.

YMCA

All 29 of the YMCA’s service centers will serve as food distribution sites through their FeedLA programs. Depending on the location and program, you can stop by a Y center to pick up fresh produce, sign up for home deliveries, or bring your kids for a hot meal. FeedLA programs are available at Ys throughout the Los Angeles area.

For more information and confidential support, please call (323) 244-9077. To learn more about the FeedLA distribution schedule, visit YMCALA.org.

LA Regional Food Bank

LA County has a network of 940 food pantries in place across the County coordinated by the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. For food assistance, you can search for a local pantry by visiting the LA Food Bank website or calling 2-1-1.

LAUSD

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) also has numerous resources. Please visit the LAUSD website to learn about various program offerings that include Food Assistance and the Student and Family Wellness Resource Line. Please see flyer with detailed information.

Specialized Food Programs

• LA County Parks & Recreation has food programs for youth, teens, and seniors. To learn more, visit the LA County Parks & Recreation website.
• Senior citizens over the age of 60 may be eligible for a free meal at local senior centers. For more information, call (800) 510-2020.
• The US Department of Agriculture’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program from Women, Infants and Children (WIC) agencies in California are currently operational.
  • Applying for WIC is simple and can be done 100% by phone. Apply at www.startwic.org or text “APPLY” to 91997. To find a WIC location, along with days and hours of operation, visit the WIC website.

Other Assistance

For assistance in other areas, residents can visit: 211la.org or call 2-1-1. Please see below for additional useful information provided by LA County.

Mental Health Services 

The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH), the largest county mental health department in the country, directly operates more than 85 programs and contracts with  providers to provide a spectrum of mental health services to people of all ages to support hope, recovery, and wellbeing.

Mental health services provided include assessments, case management, crisis intervention, medication support, peer support, and other rehabilitative services.  To learn more about specific services and to find programs and facilities in your area, please visit the LACDMH website.

To access 24/7 help, call (800) 854-7771 or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Southern California Air Quality Management District Notifications

The Southern California Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) provides notifications and advisories about air quality conditions when necessary and there is a way in which you may remain updated on the latest information. 

To be advised on real-time forecasted air quality in your area, you may download the SCAQMD mobile app. (also available in Spanish) or visit the SCAQMD Air Quality Forecasts webpage.

SCAQMD’s Air Quality Advisories webpage is another source that offers detailed information on Active Advisories.  

 
Important WNV Information

• WNV is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. 
• 1 in 5 persons infected with the virus will exhibit symptoms. 
• Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or a skin rash.
• Severe cases can lead to paralysis or even death. 
• There is no human vaccine for WNV.

Mosquito Prevention and Protection

Mosquito control is a shared responsibility, and residents must take an active role in reducing the threat of WNV in their neighborhoods by taking the following steps: 

• Eliminate standing water in clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs, or anything that holds water for more than a week.
• Ensure that swimming pools, spas, and ponds are properly maintained.
• Change the water in pet dishes, birdbaths, and other small containers weekly.
• Wear insect repellent when outdoors where mosquitoes may be present.
• Report neglected (green) swimming pools in your neighborhood to GLACVCD.  

Additional Resources 

Carbon Monoxide Safety

211LA Healthcare Resources

Benefits and Public Assistance

Disability Services

California Mortgage Relief Program 

City of Los Angeles Housing Authority

Metro's Gateway Cities Transit Line

LA Metro’s plan for better transit includes a new light rail transit line to southeast LA County and the Gateway Cities. When completed, it will provide cleaner and faster modes of travel between downtown Los Angeles and Artesia, which will be incredibly important for 1.4 million residents.  

At Metro's project website, metro.net/WSAB you can learn more about the details of this particular project and view project documents which involve Vernon!

Southeast Rio Vista YMCA Watch Party

Bring your team spirit and join the Y on Tuesday, July 14th, for an exciting Watch Party at the Rio Vista YMCA in Maywood! Enjoy activities, community connection, and a fun-filled event for all ages. The event will include food, drinks, music, giveaways, and gamin consoles.

Check-in begins at 11:00 am, and the game starts at 12:00 pm. Please note that limited space is available.

City of Huntington Park Back to School Health Fair

The City of Huntington Park is hosting a Back-to-School Health Fair event on Saturday, August 8th, from 8:00am-1:00pm at Salt Lake Park (3401 E Florence Ave, Huntington Park, 90255). Free resources will be available for attendees including backpacks and school supplies, boxes of food, health screenings, mammograms, haircuts, and dog adoption.

Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA)

SEAACA is committed to providing programs for the caring of abandoned and unwanted pets, providing sheltering for lost animals. reuniting lost pets with their families, and matching new homes for adoptable pets. SEAACA promotes responsible pet ownership by providing educational information, ensuring access to spay or neuter services at a reasonable cost. Pets are members of the family.

Pet Adoption 

If you are considering opening your heart and home to a pet in need, visit SEACCA to meet your new companion. Adding an adopted pet to your family is an exciting time. We look forward to seeing you at our Care Center.

SEAACA's adoption fees for dogs and cats include the first set of vaccinations, a microchip, and flea treatment. Dogs and cats will be spayed or neutered. Visit seaaca.org for more information on their adoption services and hours of operation.

Metro Youth Council

LACoFD Explorer Program

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training

Women's Fire Prep Academy

LA County Fire

Vernon CommUNITY Fund Scholarships