Watch: Will ICE Agents Ruin SB's Fiesta Celebrations? Deciphering New Sable Ruling; Winners and Losers at 215 Bath
As defenders of local immigrants release stats that show scope of feds' deportation campaign, activists worry about impact on city's biggest annual party. Plus: housing, transit, politics, more...
This week’s installment of Newsmakers TV (that’s Episode 509 for those keeping score at home) features a deep dive into the latest factual information, unanswered questions and community fears arising from the Trump deportation campaign’s targeting of local communities in Santa Barbara County.***
Ryan P. Cruz reports on a new statistical breakdown that demonstrates the scope and scale of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency’s recent local forays, from its big July 10 busts at two cannabis operations, to its ongoing racial profiling efforts, featuring heavily armed masked men snatching random brown people off the street.
Nick Welsh scoops on a letter to Sheriff Bill Brown, signed by more than 50 local elected officials led by Rep. Salud Carbajal, State Senator Monique Limon and Assemblymember Gregg Hart, calling on him to use his national platform as president of the (all rise) Major County Sheriff’s Association of America to push back on the Administration’s thuggish, militarized raid on local residents and businesses.
And Josh Molina reprises his podcast conversation with Andi Garcia, a local hero who has been conscientiously monitoring, and pushing out the word about on social media, of ICE activities in SB neighborhoods.
Plus: an update on the newest ruling in the tangle of litigation surrounding the Sable offshore oil company’s efforts to restart the failed Refugio pipeline; an assessment of winners and losers in the city’s biggest recent landlord-tenant struggle; and a sneak peek at Newsmakers’ Fresno bureau.
Check out our new episode via YouTube below, or by clicking on this link. The SB Newsmakers podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, or on Soundcloud here. TVSB, Channel 17, airs the show every weeknight at 8 p.m., and at 9 a.m. on weekends. KCSB, 91.9 FM, broadcasts the program at 5:30 p.m. on Monday.
*** Shortly after we recorded on Friday, SB Police Chief Kelly Gordon sent out a community message about police practices during Fiesta (fair warning: sloppy drunks) that included this important statement about immigration fears:
The City and SBPD take public concerns regarding the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) seriously. SBPD does not assist ICE in immigration enforcement. If any federal agency were to operate in a manner that compromises public safety or violates legal protocols, we would take appropriate action to ensure the safety of our community. Our officers are trained to verify credentials and protect the rights of all individuals, especially in public high-traffic areas. We remain committed to fostering trust with our community and will continue to monitor any concerns that may impact the safety and tone of our city events.
Image - 2025 Fiesta Pin (Old Spanish Days).