Yolo County’s community forum on law enforcement and immigration last month saw over 200 attendees seeking information and resources in the days preceding the inauguration of President Donald Trump, which has resulted in mass deportations and increases in ICE raids across the nation.

During the Jan. 13 forum, local law enforcement leaders addressed community concerns regarding immigration policies and practices. The forum provided an open space for the community to ask questions and hear directly from law enforcement.

According to data provided by the Pew Research Center and Center for Migration Studies, the total undocumented population increased to about 11.7 million in July 2023, an increase of about 800,000 compared to the previous July. California is home to 1.8 million immigrants without citizen or national resident status, making it the state with the largest undocumented population.

Many people have voiced their concern regarding recent actions taken by the current presidential administration, particularly Trump’s decision to sign 10 executive orders on immigration and issued many statements of promises of mass deportations and border security.

Other federal agencies have been ordered to assist ICE operations, including the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Homeland Security Department’s Customs and Border Protection, which includes the Border Patrol.

While the federal government continues to mobilize and have record-breaking detainment and arrest numbers every day, immigrants, regardless of status, are worried they will be the next target.

Yolo County Sheriff Tom Lopez and local Chiefs of Police emphasized that their primary focus is on ensuring community safety and well-being. They reaffirmed their commitment to fostering trust and strong relationships with residents, regardless of immigration status.

In accordance with SB 54, law enforcement officials made it clear that local agencies do not assist federal authorities with immigration enforcement. While they acknowledged that they cannot prevent federal agencies from carrying out immigration actions, they stressed their dedication to protecting and supporting all members of the community.

Former Yolo County Office of Education Superintendent and current Yuba Community College Trustee Jesse Ortiz, who moderated the forum, thanked law enforcement for their willingness to help all members of the community, regardless of immigration status.

“I think we’re very fortunate to live in Yolo County where all law enforcement people come together on such an important issue,” Ortiz said in his remarks. “I just really want to thank law enforcement for coming out today for this.”

Yolo County Supervisor Angel Barajas attended the forum, and he told the public in a recent monthly update the event proved to be helpful to Barajas’ constituents and the greater Yolo County community.

“[I] would like to thank the Yolo County Office of Education for hosting this important discussion and Jesse Ortiz for facilitating the conversation,” he said.

Throughout February and March, several more “Know Your Rights” (KYR) events are planned across Yolo County to provide critical information on immigrant rights, ITIN applications and legal assistance. These workshops are hosted by community organizations, including Communicare, LSNC, CLBL, Catholic Charities, and YIIN.