Dear Friends and Partners,

Last week, the California Community Foundation co-sponsored United We Stand: Defending Democracy and Each Other, our largest immigration-focused convening to date. More than 500 leaders from philanthropy, business, labor, faith, legal aid and civic organizations came together from across California and beyond—reaffirming their shared commitment to family stability, dignity and community well-being.

The summit also included a timely panel on the role of local press in covering immigration enforcement, recognizing that accurate, community-grounded reporting is essential to public understanding and trust. The panel featured John Carlos Frey, multiple Emmy-winning journalist and anchor of THE RAID podcast, and Memo Torres, director of engagement and multimedia journalist for L.A. TACO. Their conversation underscored the importance of first-hand reporting that centers lived experience and documents impacts on families and neighborhoods in real time. CCF is proud to support L.A. TACO’s Daily Memo, which provides ongoing reporting on immigration enforcement in Los Angeles and its effects on communities across our region.

As we observed during the early enforcement actions in Los Angeles, what felt local at the time has now become a national concern. Across the country, families are experiencing heightened fear and uncertainty. In Minnesota, a five-year-old child was taken from their family during an enforcement action—an experience no child should endure. Other tragic incidents, including the loss of a healthcare worker and serious injuries during public demonstrations, have further shaken trust and compounded grief.

Together, these moments underscore the human impact of instability—especially on children and families—and why trusted institutions must respond with care and compassion. At CCF, our focus has been to listen, convene and act responsibly.

In addition to the summit, we co-hosted a nonpartisan gubernatorial forum sponsored by CA4US (https://www.ca4us.org), a multisector coalition of philanthropy, business, labor, faith and civic leaders committed to strengthening family stability, economic opportunity and civic participation across California.

From concern to participation

Many people have asked how they can help. Through Am I Next?, a public art installation against abusive federal immigration enforcement, the LA Neighbors Support Fund, CA4US, and trusted community information sources, there are meaningful ways to participate:

• Participate in Am I Next? Submit a photo, share the campaign, or make a contribution.
  https://www.aminextla.org
• Give to the LA Neighbors Support Fund, providing rapid, flexible support to families affected by immigration enforcement.
  https://www.calfund.org/la-neighbors
• Subscribe to CA4US to stay connected to a broad, nonpartisan, multisector coalition.
  https://www.ca4us.org
• Stay informed by following trusted, community-based reporting and storytelling, including THE RAID podcast and L.A. TACO, which documents immigration enforcement and its impacts on families and neighborhoods.
  https://www.raidpodcast.org
  https://www.lataco.com

Each action—visible or behind the scenes—helps strengthen community trust and ensure families are not facing uncertainty alone.

Thank you for your continued partnership and leadership. Together, we can help move communities from fear toward stability, dignity and hope.

With deep gratitude,

Miguel A. Santana

President and CEO
California Community Foundation