HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 28 - Consider a Temporary Program Financial Assistance for Families Impacted by Federal Immigration Activities City Manager’s Office
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Item # 28
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
July 1, 2025
TOPIC: Financial Assistance for Families Impacted by Federal Immigration Activities
AGENDA TITLE
Consider a Temporary Program of Financial Assistance for Families Impacted by
Federal Immigration Enforcement Actions
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Direct the City Manager to establish an Emergency Assistance Program for Families
Impacted by Immigration Enforcement funded by up to $1 million of existing FY25-26
budget allocated for City Events.
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No
DISCUSSION
Families residing in the City of Santa Ana have been significantly affected by recent
federal immigration enforcement actions. When a primary income-earner is detained,
households experience immediate financial hardship, including difficulty paying for
essential needs such as rent, food, and utilities.
The City of Santa Ana’s adopted FY25-26 budget includes a $1 million allocation for
community events, distributed as follows:
•Fourth of July $115,000
•Chicano Heritage $127,000
•Fiestas Patrias $498,000
•Noche De Altares $20,000 sponsorship contribution
•Tet Festival $80,000
•Santa Ana Fun Run $93,000
•Movie Series $30,000
•Juneteenth $20,000 sponsorship contribution
These events are funded through the City’s General Fund and are considered
discretionary expenditures. The City Council has the authority to allocate General Fund
dollars toward any initiative that serves a public purpose.
Financial Assistance for Families Impacted by Federal Immigration Activities
July 1, 2025
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In response to the urgent needs created by recent immigration enforcement actions,
Mayor Valerie Amezcua recommends repurposing the City Events budget to establish a
temporary assistance program aimed at supporting affected families. This program
would provide financial assistance for rent, utilities, food, and legal assistance.
The City Manager may collaborate with foreign consulates to identify Santa Ana
residents who have been detained and coordinate outreach efforts to support their
families. Local nonprofit organizations, such as the Assistance League and the Delhi
Center, can be engaged to facilitate food distribution. Additionally, the City’s existing
infrastructure for rental and utility assistance can be utilized to expedite service delivery,
while the current contract for immigration legal defense services can be expanded with
supplemental funding.
This proposal seeks to prioritize critical support for vulnerable residents during a period
of heightened uncertainty and financial distress, reaffirming the City’s commitment to
the well-being of all members of the Santa Ana community.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action, as the existing
budget for community City Events would instead be used to provide community
assistance for families impacted by federal immigration activities.
Submitted By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager