A stream of residents urged the Lompoc City Council on Tuesday to support the role of undocumented immigrants in the community as speakers shared emotional stories about living with the fear of losing their parents to deportation. 

Voces Sin Fronteras (Voices Without Borders) submitted a proposal urging the council to take up the issue March 18. Specifically, it asked for a resolution of support for Lompoc’s undocumented residents and asked the city to support state laws seeking to limit federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Speakers shared about the fear that has led some residents to skip work, school or other aspects of lives. Along with children of immigrants, other speakers included current and former educators. 

“Schools should be a place where all students can learn and grow without any fear,” said Angelica Torralba, Lompoc youth organizer for Future Leaders of America. “I urge the City Council to take immediate action to protect and support families in our community. Passing a resolution affirming the city’s commitment to undocumented families would send a clear message that Lompoc stands for unity, safety and dignity for all.”

She also urged the council to support policies preventing family separations. 

“This is a moment for leadership, for compassion and for action,” she said. 

“I ask you not to see us as undocumented immigrants but as people, as part of your family,” added Javier Valdez, a 25-year resident of the Lompoc Valley. 

Retired home health nurse Pamela Buchanan recalled being welcomed into the homes of immigrants and experiencing their kindness. 

“I just want to say I am one of those white people that my family goes back to the 1600s. I cannot go back and undo that they enslaved people or that they took the land of the Native Americans,” she said. “But I can be here today and say do what’s right. Protect the people.”

Not all speakers agreed. Lompoc Valley resident Karin Hauenstein said the immigration enforcement focuses on criminal activity. 

“I don’t believe that the law enforcement community in California is wanting to scrub schools or churches or any other place for people who are following the law because we need law and order in our state,” she said.

Mayor Jim Mosby asked staff to prepare a report on the request, adding that it may not be ready in time for the March 18 meeting.

Speakers urged the city to support Senate Bill 48, which seeks to restrict schools from allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers on campuses without a judicial warrant. 

They also sought support for Assembly Bill 421, which would limit law enforcement agencies in the state from immigration enforcement. 

Youth activists asked the city to spread “factual information” about Lompoc’s undocumented residents and for the city to work with nonprofit groups to host informational sessions on immigrant rights. 

Additionally, they want the city to host a screening of the documentary film “Separated,” exploring the Trump administration’s family separation policy.

Councilman Jeremy Ball said he hoped to have the issue return to the council, noting speakers’ passionate pleas presented Tuesday night.

“No matter where it lands, I hope that we discuss this as soon as possible. There are a lot of people dealing with this,” Ball said. 

Last month, students made a similar request to the Santa Maria City Council but sought a safety zone around schools. churches, parks and hospitals. Officials noted that cities don’t enforce immigration laws and can’t restrict federal agents.