LOS ANGELES – Councilmember Ysabel Jurado joined Somos Los Callejones, a collective of Santee Alley merchants, to share the human and economic toll of Thursday’s federal immigration enforcement activity in the Fashion District.
During Friday’s City Council meeting, members of Somos Los Callejones gave a powerful testimonial about the fear, family separations, and economic losses caused by ICE raids. Their stories underscore the urgent need for support and protection for the people who form the heart of the Santee Alley community. Photos from the Council meeting here. Watch the testimonial here.
“The Santee Alley is a place where immigrant families go every day to work, shop, and support one another, a place built by small business owners, vendors, and workers who open early, work long hours, and hold the heart of this community,”said Councilmember Ysabel Jurado. “Well-known gathering places for working people of color are being targeted, and the harm ripples through entire families and communities.”
“We are not seeing improvement for our businesses; instead, these immigration raids are hurting us. People are no longer coming,” said Jorge, an organizer with Somos Los Callejones (translated from Spanish). “We used to have sales, with people coming from the county and from out of state. Today, the alleys are dying. It is heartbreaking to see people stop coming.”
Somos los Callejones (“We Are the Alleys”) is a worker-led collective of tenants and community advocates, partnered with the Los Angeles Tenants Union, advocating for economic empowerment and social justice in the Santee Alley. To support businesses and mitigate financial strains caused by the raids, Councilmember Jurado has previously co-hosted community events with Somos Los Callejones, including a street festival before Black Friday and the Posada de Esperanza, a holiday gathering featuring food and toy distributions.
Since the Trump Administration’s initial enforcement actions, Councilmember Jurado has consistently stood with immigrant communities, keeping residents informed and helping them navigate threats to their safety and livelihoods.
On Monday, she joined LAUSD Board members, community organizers, and social equity advocates to condemn targeted ICE activity across Council District 14 on the first day of school after winter recess. Reports indicate that immigration agents detained multiple individuals, including an LAUSD parent.
Councilmember Jurado urges anyone who has been affected by ICE enforcement to contact her office at 213-473-7014 for assistance and support.