Right now, immigrant communities in the Bay Area need support.
On Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, President Donald Trump threatened a “surge” of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence in the Bay Area. For individuals at risk of deportation, this announcement caused fear and concern surrounding their personal safety and that of their families, peers, and community members. Even students who aren't directly impacted likely know someone who is either personally at risk of being detained or has a family member who is. More than 16.7 million people in the United States live with at least one person who is undocumented, and over 35 percent of those people are minors. Amidst this difficult time, Berkeley High School students, staff, and community members should unite in community to protect and uplift the most vulnerable to immigration enforcement.
Nationwide, immigration enforcement actions are spreading fear in communities, and the negative impacts are visible. Schools have seen a decrease in attendance of Latinx/Hispanic students when ICE raids are occurring, and both teachers and families have reported concerns about enforcement actions taking place on school campuses. Such fear led to Berkeley’s tenth annual Día de los Muertos celebration being canceled in October.
However, BHS administration has stated that they will not let ICE agents on campus, in hopes of making it a relatively safe environment for students at risk of being detained. Berkeley is a sanctuary city: it limits cooperation with federal immigration authorities with the goal of prioritizing the safety of all their residents. Despite this, the planned surge of ICE agents in the Bay Area sparked fear in Bay Area immigrant communities — businesses have been forced to close, community events have been cancelled, and people are afraid to leave their homes.
While many students feel powerless during this time, there are many ways to make an impact. BHS students can write to Lateefah Simon, the House representative for the coastal section of Alameda County and implore her to vote no on the "No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act," which would punish cities like Berkeley for supporting immigrants' rights. Elected officials have a responsibility to serve their constituents, and writing letters to representatives can truly make an impact on their actions.
When seeing ICE officers, the Alameda County's rapid response network (reachable at phone number (510)-241-401) is available to receive reports of the activity and send it to the Alameda County Immigration Legal Education Partnership (ACILEP), an organization that provides legal services to undocumented immigrants. In response to a phone call, the ACILEP will mobilize advocacy groups and provide real-time legal support. If witnessing a person being detained by ICE, it is important to record from a safe distance to gather evidence that can later be used in court.
If you know a friend who is personally at risk of being detained or has a family member that is at risk, you can check in with them and ask how to support them. It may look like picking up groceries for them, accompanying them on errands, or simply being there for them as a friend.
For those who are directly impacted by the threat of ICE raids, there are many ways to get support.
On the Berkeley Public Library's website, there is a comprehensive list of resources including advice for dealing with ICE agents and links to organizations that provide free legal support. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the risk you may be facing, the Wellness Center and Health Center at BHS offer mental health counseling and one-time support.
Now more than ever, it's important to come together as a community and give support to those who are impacted by recent immigration enforcement.