As improbable as it might seem, ICE agents spent time in Irvine yesterday. The city’s Latino population is estimated at 9% and select businesses in North Irvine were prime targets. These neighborhoods have large Asian populations, and it’s almost impossible to get any real information out of DHS. I encourage residents to post comments with what they’ve seen and heard.
The city issued a detailed announcement on ICE activity; that response is below. But I need to call out former Mayor Farrah Khan for posting on social media and being immediately attacked by the OC GOP who accused her of seeking to have ICE abolished m– something there is no evidence of at all.
Democrats of Greater Irvine took things a step further with this Facebook post:
CALL TO ACTION: ICE agents are staying at the Irvine Marriott while they conduct raids in Irvine and other nearby locations.
City of Irvine Immigration Response
IRVINE, Calif. (June 12, 2025): Earlier this morning, the City of Irvine was notified by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that they would be conducting targeted immigration enforcement operations at several locations throughout the City. It has been confirmed that these activities are focused on locating specific individuals under investigation for criminal activity who also have immigration law-related violations.
ICE’s current operations in Irvine are not broad immigration raids, and do not appear directed at detaining individuals solely based on their immigration status.
The City of Irvine’s mission is to create and maintain a community where people can live, work, and learn in an environment that is safe and welcoming for all. The City’s response regarding immigration-related matters has not changed – the City of Irvine continues to focus on providing exceptional services to all in the community regardless of immigration status.
The Irvine Police Department is not involved in any federal immigration enforcement and remains committed to its role in protecting public safety and serving all members of the Irvine community.
Given the regional concern and heightened attention surrounding immigration enforcement activities, the City has taken the following steps to ensure transparency, safety, and accurate public information:
- Public Safety Readiness: The City has activated its internal response protocols to ensure adequate law enforcement staffing and public safety support.
- Emergency Operations Center: A Level 1 activation of the Emergency Operations Center has been initiated to provide enhanced monitoring and coordination.
- Public Information: A dedicated webpage will provide timely updates and accurate information regarding the evolving situation.
- Legal Resource Access: The City is implementing a resource program to connect Irvine residents with due-process legal support if needed. Visit cityofirvine.org/immigrationresources.
- Coordination with Community Partners: The City is in contact with local partners, including educational institutions. At this time, there are no reports of ICE enforcement activity occurring at any school or university within Irvine.
The City of Irvine is committed to maintaining transparency, supporting residents with accurate information, and ensuring public safety for all. Updates will be provided as more details become available.
In addition, Mayor Larry Agran had issued the following statement.
“At the City of Irvine, we are proud to be one of the most diverse and inclusive communities in the nation. Our residents come from every corner of the world, representing a vibrant mix of cultures, languages, and backgrounds that make our City stronger, more innovative, and more united.
Recent reports of immigration enforcement activities have raised serious concerns and fear among our residents. We are aware that these federal actions, including ICE raids, have disrupted families, sown distrust in local government, and undermined the sense of safety that every person deserves.
The City of Irvine’s mission is to create and maintain a community where people can live, work, and learn in an environment that is safe and welcoming for all. The City’s response regarding immigration-related matters has not changed — the City of Irvine continues to focus on providing exceptional services to all in our community, regardless of immigration status.
The Irvine Police Department remains committed to building trust with all members of our community. Public safety only works when people feel safe coming forward — without fear of immigration consequences — to report crimes, seek assistance, or simply live their daily lives.
As a City, we remain focused on protecting the rights of our residents while honoring the rule of law. That means ensuring any federal enforcement activity is conducted transparently, lawfully, and in a manner that respects our shared values and humanity.
We are a City that believes in community, compassion, and fairness. We encourage anyone in need of support to reach out to local nonprofit organizations and legal aid groups that specialize in immigrant rights. The City will also continue to share credible information and resources so our community can stay informed and empowered. Visit cityofirvine.org/immigrationresources.
We know this is a time of uncertainty. But let me say this clearly: Irvine is — and will always be — a community of inclusion, respect, and unity.”
If you see ICE raiding a business, take photos or record video. Note the location and time. Count the number of agents and see if they are in uniform with badges. Note if they are overly aggressive with those taken into custody. Ask if they have a signed warrant (by a judge) with the suspects name on it. They can’t tell you that you can’t photograph of shoot video when you are on a public street.
If you’re driving and see ICE agents, use your WAZE app and note ICE or SNOW in the location you saw them. June in SoCal is pretty warm but it will tip off drivers to use a different route.
After reviewing the video of US Senator Alex Padilla being manhandled by Secret Service agents, and those from DHS and the FBI, I’ve sent emails to the DA’s office in the city of Los Angeles and to AG Rob Bonta asking to charge these agents with felony assault. It is a felony to physically assault a member of Congress and the law makes no exceptions for federal agents. Padilla clearly identified himself and was never more than 6 feet awat from the back wall. Don’t let your Fox viewing friends have you ignore the evidence of your eyes and ears to claim Padilla was a threat to Kristi Noehm.
Thank you Dan for recognizing Democrats of Greater Irvine’s efforts to get the word out on applying pressure to hotels that are hosting ICE agents in our area! –Mari Fujii, DGI 1st Vice Chair
are there copies of the Google reviews? email me screen grabs at dchm@cox.net