There are mornings when the news feels like a punch to the gut. Today is one of them.
The announcement that ICE and Border Patrol are in the Bay Area lands heavy—it carries the weight of memory, of warning, of grief. For many of us across California, this isn’t new. Our immigration system has always been violent. We’ve seen this playbook before—in Los Angeles, and now in Chicago and Portland. We’ve seen it in our neighborhoods and in the faces of those who’ve lived under regimes that mistake domination for order.
At Women’s Foundation California, we know what happens when power disguises itself as “protection,” when violence hides behind the word “security.” For our CEO, Bia Vieira, this truth is personal. Growing up under a military dictatorship in Brazil, soldiers in the streets were not symbols of safety, but of fear.
In moments like these, it can feel easy to fall into despair. But the real danger doesn’t just come from those in power—danger also comes from the belief that resistance is impossible. When we think we cannot act, the world tilts toward the oppressors. We have everything to lose and everything to build. That’s why we keep choosing each other.
Across California, our partners are mobilizing: from immigrant rights coalitions in the Central Valley to trans-led mutual aid networks in the Bay to reproductive justice organizers in Los Angeles. They are holding the line, tending to each other, and building the world we need—not someday, but now.
If fear spreads fast, love must move faster.
If repression is well-funded, resistance must be too.
If you can fund frontline immigration organizations, do it. If you can give your time, voice, art, or care—do it. If you can help your neighbors, do it. And if you need help, ask. We are building community as resistance, and we need all of us to win this fight.
Together, we are the antidote to fear.
ICE, Border Patrol, and soldiers do not belong in California, not in our homes, our streets, our farms, our fields. Our communities belong here. We are building safety and solidarity together, even as we face the threat of enforcement. This message is not about panic — it’s about power. When we stay informed, connected, and ready, we protect one another.
ICE, la Patrulla Fronteriza, y soldados no son bienvenidos en California — ni en nuestros hogares, nuestras calles, nuestras fincas y nuestros campos. Nuestras comunidades pertenecen aquí. Estamos construyendo seguridad y solidaridad juntas, mientras enfrentamos a las amenazas de redadas y detenciones. No enviamos este mensaje para causar pánico — es para fortalecer nuestro poder. Cuando estamos informados, conectados y preparados, nos protegemos mutuamente.
What You Can Do Now | Qué puede hacer ahora
Stock up on food, medicine, and essentials in case you prefer to stay home for a while. Save important phone numbers and documents in a safe place or with a trusted person. Do not keep them on you. Consider your risk level before attending events or gatherings. Have an emergency contact who knows to call the Rapid Response Hotline (415-200-1548) if you are detained. Make sure loved ones have your full name, A-number (if you have one,) date of birth, and country of origin.
Obtenga reservas para su hogar como comida, medicinas y artículos esenciales si en caso prefiere quedarse en casa por un tiempo. Evalúe su nivel de riesgo antes de decidir si asistirá a eventos o reuniones. Guarde números de teléfono y documentos importantes en un lugar seguro o con una persona de confianza. No los lleve consigo. Tenga un contacto de emergencia que sepa llamar a la Línea de Respuesta Rápida (415-200-1548) si usted es detenido(a). Asegúrese de que sus seres queridos tengan su nombre completo, número A (si lo tiene,) fecha de nacimiento y país de origen.
Here are a list of Rapid Response Hotlines (24/7) | Líneas de Respuesta Rápida (24/7)
- San Francisco: 415-200-1548
- Alameda County / Condado de Alameda: 510-241-4011
- Contra Costa County / Condado de Contra Costa: 925-900-5151
- Marin County / Condado de Marin: 415-991-4545
- San Mateo County / Condado de San Mateo: 203-666-4472
- Santa Clara County / Condado de Santa Clara: 408-290-1144
- North Bay (Sonoma, Napa, Solano): 707-800-4544
- West Marin: 415-755-3622
If ICE Comes | Si Llega ICE
If ICE comes to your home, workplace, or neighborhood, report it to established community hotlines. They will send volunteers to offer legal aid and support. Responders will send legal aid and support to those detained and their families.
Si ICE llega a su hogar, lugar de trabajo o vecindario, repórtelo a líneas de respuesta rápida en su comunidad. Los equipos de respuesta enviarán voluntarios para ofrecer apoyo legal y acompañamiento a las personas detenidas y a sus familias.
Stay Connected | Manténgase Conectado
Take care of yourselves and each other. We are stronger when we stay informed and connected.
Cuídese a sí mismo y cuídense unos a otros. Somos más fuertes cuando estamos informados y conectados.