On Monday, something heartbreaking happened in Los Angeles. Again.

A 15-year-old U.S. citizen high school student with disabilities was handcuffed by federal agents outside Arleta High School — the latest in a troubling pattern of immigration raids that began in June. 

Then, on Thursday, as Gov. Gavin Newsom held a news conference at the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo, armed and masked Border Patrol agents appeared in a show of force. They arrested a man selling strawberries, as his family watched in terror. In Monrovia, a man reportedly fleeing federal agents ran onto the 210 freeway, where he was struck by a car and killed.

It may seem like the intensity of ongoing enforcement has subsided, but these incidents demonstrate that it has not. The emotional and psychological impact remains, and fear continues as students return to school.

No one should have to live in fear while simply going about their daily life. Yet across Los Angeles — outside schools, in parking lots, even in courthouses — community members are being detained, despite legal protections intended to prevent such actions.

Still, our city’s spirit endures. People are coming together to protect one another, to stand up for the rule of law, and to keep hope alive. In just the past few weeks, the California Community Foundation and our partners have raised $2.6 million from more than 200 donors—an extraordinary outpouring of compassion and solidarity that I invite you to join. This momentum proves that when Los Angeles comes together, we can meet fear with courage and despair with hope.

CCF, together with our partner CHIRLA, hosted families of those detained at our offices to connect with legal experts, public officials, and—most importantly—each other. In that shared space, stories were told, grief was acknowledged, and healing began. Together, they are finding ways not only to reunite with their loved ones but also to create lasting change through advocacy and the courts.

But the impact of these raids is profound. Families remain inside their homes out of fear. Parents are missing work, children are kept home from school, and local businesses are struggling.

In response, CCF has activated the LA Neighbors Support Fund to provide groceries, emergency cash, and essentials like diapers—just as we have during wildfires, the pandemic, and other crises. This fund lets our partners, including the Pasadena Community Job Center and SCOPE, mobilize volunteers to deliver help where it’s needed most. In this newsletter, please read how they are stepping up to support neighbors in urgent need. These acts of care provide resources, restore dignity, and offer moments of healing for families facing unimaginable uncertainty.

Each gift—large or small—has been an act of courage and compassion, sending a powerful message that Los Angeles will not turn its back on its neighbors. This momentum shows us what is possible when we refuse to be divided and choose, instead, to stand together. If you would like to be part of this collective force for healing and hope, you can donate here.

While it is painful to witness these events, the resilience of our partners and neighbors reminds me that we can emerge from this moment stronger and more united. I hope their courage inspires you as it does me.

Thank you for standing with our community. If you would like to learn more about how you can help, please contact Brooke Pinnix, Vice President of Donor Relations, at bpinnix@calfund.org.

As we provide immediate relief to our neighbors in need, we are also working alongside business, labor, faith, and philanthropic partners to amplify immigrants’ vital contributions and counter misinformation through the CA4US coalition. 

CA For US seeks to broaden the alliance across sectors for comprehensive immigration reform and shape a factual narrative about immigrants’ essential role in California’s prosperity. Learn more and join us at CA4US.org. If you are interested in making a contribution to support the coalition’s work, please contact us at donorrelations@calfund.org.

Miguel A. Santana
President and CEO,
California Community Foundation