Across California and the nation, immigration enforcement actions are on the rise. From farm towns to coastal cities, families are feeling the pressure of increased raids and detentions—fueled by headlines, rumors, and uncertainty.
But even in the face of fear, we must remember: our families are not alone, not powerless, and not victims.
Immigrants have long been the backbone of the Central Coast—harvesting our food, teaching our children, opening businesses, and strengthening our communities with courage and resilience. Now, as threats increase, Community Bridges is standing with these families once again.
Just as we have during wildfires, floods, and economic crises, we are here—coordinating with schools, legal advocates, volunteers, and elected leaders to provide trusted information, emergency planning, and access to critical services.
What follows is a practical guide to help families prepare—not panic—and protect what matters most with dignity and strength.
Create a Childcare Safety Plan
Every parent wants peace of mind that their child will be cared for if the unexpected happens. A Childcare Safety Plan is a document created by a local group of legal experts (the Childcare Safety Plan Coalition) that lets you designate a trusted adult—family member, neighbor, friend—to temporarily care for your children in case you are detained or otherwise unavailable.
This plan ensures there’s no confusion or delay in caring for your child. It gives legal clarity to the caregiver, helps avoid the involvement of child welfare services, and allows you to specify important details about your child’s needs, school, routines, and emergency contacts.
Visit susderechos.info/recursos/ to learn more about the document and download the form.
You can complete it with the support of staff at any of our Community Bridges Family Resource Collective sites across Santa Cruz County and in Pajaro. You can also click here to request help completing the form.
Even if you never need it, having a plan in place brings peace of mind and ensures your children are protected.
Build a Family Financial Plan
Detention or deportation doesn’t mean the loss of your financial rights. A Family Financial Plan helps you secure your family’s assets and reduce stress during uncertain times. Whether it’s assigning someone to manage your bank account, safeguarding important documents, or ensuring bills are paid on time, proactive planning can make a critical difference.
This simple, family-friendly toolkit was created Ventures, a long-time community ally of Community Bridges that focuses on financial empowerment for immigrant families.
The toolkit walks you through essential steps, such as:
- Identifying a trusted financial contact in case of detention or separation.
- Collecting and storing important documents, such as bank account info, insurance policies, and legal IDs.
- Planning for recurring payments like rent, utilities, and childcare.
- Understanding your financial rights and options even if your immigration status is uncertain.
This isn’t just about protecting your money—it’s about protecting your family’s future.
How to get started:
- Download the toolkit and planning materials at susderechos.info/recursos.
- Learn more about Ventures’ financial empowerment approach at sccvonline.org/our-approach.html.
- Visit any of Community Bridges’ Family Resource Collective centers for in-person help.
Secure Legal Support Before You Need It
In an immigration case, having access to a lawyer can mean the difference between staying with your family and being separated. Yet too often, families wait until it’s too late to seek legal counsel.
There are many trusted organizations and attorneys along the Central Coast offering free or low-cost legal consultations. Some specialize in asylum, family-based petitions, U visas, and deportation defense.
What you can do today:
- Find a reputable immigration lawyer or nonprofit organization offering legal aid. A full directory is available at susderechos.info/ayuda-inmediata/.
- Schedule a consultation now—before there’s an emergency—to learn your rights and begin building a plan.
- Gather important documents, such as birth certificates, passports, marriage licenses, and legal records, and keep them in a secure, easily accessible location.
Do not sign anything under pressure or without legal advice. And never pay for legal services from someone who cannot show they are a licensed attorney or DOJ-accredited representative.
Know Your Rights—And How to Use Them
Everyone in the United States has rights, regardless of immigration status. But knowing them isn’t enough—you must be ready to exercise them confidently and calmly during an encounter with law enforcement or immigration agents.
One of the most important tools is the Red Card, a small document created by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. It helps you assert your right to remain silent and refuse unlawful searches or detentions.
Your rights include:
- The right to remain silent.
- The right to refuse entry to your home without a valid warrant signed by a judge.
- The right to an attorney.
- The right to not sign documents without legal review.
How to prepare:
- Carry a Red Card with you at all times. Cards are available for free at Community Bridges resource centers.
- Practice what to say during an encounter with immigration enforcement. (Example: “I do not wish to speak to you. I want to speak to my attorney.”)
- Talk to your children and family members about what to do if someone is detained or does not come home.
You can find training videos, printable materials, and downloadable Red Cards at ilrc.org and susderechos.info.
You can also get drop-in help at our Family Resource Collective sites. Find your nearest center: communitybridges.org/frc.
