On February 5, the UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute (LPPI), Center for Neighborhood Knowledge, and UCLA Asian American Studies Center co-hosted “Nation of Immigrants: The Politics of ICE Enforcement,” bringing together policymakers, researchers, advocates, and students for a timely discussion about immigration enforcement in California and across the country.

Part of the Luskin Lecture Series, featured California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Miguel A. Santana, president and CEO of the California Community Foundation. The sold-out program drew more than 250 attendees.

LPPI Director Amada Armenta opened the program with remarks acknowledging the fear and uncertainty many families are currently experiencing. 

“Some of us come to this moment as immigrants who are direct targets of an aggressive federal administration, some of us are part of mixed-status families, worrying about the safety of our loved ones. Still others of us are descendants of immigrants who might have arrived in the U.S. one, two, or generations ago. Still others of us are allies. We care about democracy, due process, and what the government does to those who live among us: our neighbors, our friends, our coworkers,” she said.

Armenta underscored that regardless of background or immigration status, everyone has a role to play in staying informed, engaged, and committed to building inclusive communities. She noted that in California, where one in three residents is an immigrant, public policy must reflect the dignity and contributions of immigrant communities

In his keynote address, Attorney General Bonta acknowledged the significance of the moment for immigrant communities and outlined how his office has challenged what he described as unlawful, fear-driven federal enforcement practices.

“That’s why today matters, because accountability matters. It’s been just over one year since President Trump took office and doubled down on his sweeping, often illegal campaign to remake America, targeting California and other Democratic-led cities and states.”

Bonta also detailed the California Department of Justice’s legal efforts to hold the federal government accountable and announced efforts to collect public reports of potential misconduct by federal agents.

Following the keynote, Santana moderated a panel discussion that examined how enforcement policies affect communities, institutions, and democratic norms.

“Intensified immigration raids are driving families out of public spaces, disrupting industries that depend on immigrant workers, and creating a chilling environment for civic participation here and around the country.”

He described CCF’s efforts to provide emergency assistance, legal services, and public awareness campaigns to support affected families. 

The panelists, who included Ahilan Arulanantham, UCLA Law; Paul Ong, UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge; and Angelica Salas, CHIRLA, called for stronger oversight of detention facilities, clearer identification requirements for federal agents, and greater collaboration between state agencies, researchers, and community organizations.

“We still have serious challenges around oversight of detention centers. People are being mistreated, not fed, sexually assaulted, and denied basic care. We need to double down on accountability,” said Salas.

Panelists also highlighted the role of academic research in documenting enforcement patterns, measuring policy impacts, and informing public debate.

“We need to look at the data and continue to measure the social, economic, and health impacts of these policies, and make sure that information gets out to the public, alongside the human stories, so we understand the full picture,” said Ong.

The panel concluded with questions from UCLA faculty and students.