At the urging of the Inland Communities Organizing Network (ICON), Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval organized a public hearing with over 100 people to allow residents to testify on their experiences with detainments and encounters with federal immigration agents.

Responding to declining school enrollment, pervasive fear, and what one ICON leader described as "a crisis of disappearing families," this was the second public hearing emerging from One LA's award-winning freedom school strategy.

Relationships for Power

ICON proposed the hearing model after a similar hearing in Los Angeles was organized by One LA and Mayor Karen Bass last November. Sandoval and his task force organized the action in partnership with ICON, Gente Organizada, ICE Out of Pomona, and the Latino and Latina Roundtable of the San Gabriel and Pomona Valley. Nearly a dozen residents and workers testified.

Public Processing of Grief

“Testimonies documented experiences of physical and mental harm, not only by detainment of their family members, particularly those who provide primary income, but in the subsequent navigation of complicated legal processes,” said ICON leader Jessica Fallon. "We heard from a mother whose husband and 10 year old son were chased and detained by ICE and have received confusing and conflicting advice as they move forward with court hearings. They now fear going outside." 

We heard from an elderly woman whose husband remains in custody and has not been receiving his heart medication despite multiple pleas to authorities."

"We heard from a mother of five in severe financial hardship who fears eviction after the deportation and detention of her husband.”

Toward Federal Accountability and Community Care

Testimonies were sent to U.S. Representative Robert Garcia, ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, who has launched investigations into related allegations of unlawful detention. Beyond accountability, leaders reflected on the shared sense of care and relief they experienced in finally sharing their stories in an official public setting. ICON has continued working with Pomona City Council and supported the Pomona Unified School District in forming its own task force to promote the safety of immigrant children and families.

[Photo credit: Andrew Alonzo, Claremont Courier]

Public Hearing Documents Alleged ICE Abuses in Pomona, Claremont Courier [pdf]