Federal immigration enforcement agents arrested at least eight people, including a United States citizen, in Santa Barbara on Sunday, according to local immigrant activist groups.

The groups received reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Santa Barbara’s Westside and Eastside neighborhoods early Sunday morning, Claudia Gonzalez of 805UndocuFund told Noozhawk.  

However, the final number of people arrested could be higher because the activity unfolded in two neighborhoods, and details are still being confirmed, Gonzalez added. 

Volunteers from 805 Respuesta Rapida (805 Rapid Response), SB Resiste, Carp Sin Fronteras and VC Defensa witnessed and reported the arrests, she said.

Following the arrests, the group confirmed that five people were arrested from San Pascual Street, one from Montecito Street and Nopal Street, and another from Hutash Street and Voluntario Street, according to Gonzalez.

Through volunteer reports, 805UndocuFund knew of at least eight people who had been arrested and were in the process of confirming details with families. 

One of the men was reportedly performing Father’s Day serenades with a band when he was arrested. 

805UndocuFund has not been able to confirm any additional details, including names of the people arrested.

A U.S. citizen was also arrested on Sunday, and 805UndocuFund suspects it was due to racial profiling, according to Primitiva Hernandez, 805UndocuFund’s executive director.

The citizen, whose name was not shared with Noozhawk, was arrested after going outside because he heard immigration enforcement-related activity, Gonzalez said. 

“When he was getting closer, another agent ran after him and detained him. He was witnessing the attack on his neighbors and was racially profiled as someone undocumented,” she added.

After his arrest, federal agents reportedly took him to the Camarillo ICE Field Office but then released him.

The man was taken to St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard for injuries, Gonzalez said, but she did not have details about his condition.  

During Sunday’s operations, federal agents reportedly sprayed the interior of a volunteer’s car with bear mace when she stepped out of her vehicle to observe a vehicle associated with ICE, according to Gonzalez.

“(The agents) attempted to spray her face, but she was able to cover it up with her arm. She is doing well now,” she added.

ICE representatives did not respond to a request for comment as of Thursday. 

Santa Barbara Police Chief Kelly Gordon told a local news outlet that the department did not get notified of the planned ICE activity on Sunday.

Federal immigration enforcement agents have arrested hundreds of Santa Barbara County residents during the past 18 months.

The number has been independently tracked by 805UndocuFund and the Trump administration’s controversial “Aliens” page on the White House website. 

805UndocuFund reports at least 870 immigration-related arrests in Santa Barbara County since January 2025. 

The White House page also reports hundreds of arrests since early 2025, but the total is lower than the local count.