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On Friday, the city of Long Beach introduced an emergency fund designed to support residents who have been directly affected by the impact of the recent immigration enforcement raid.
At a press conference Friday afternoon, Mayor Rex Richardson announced that the city has set the fund’s first $400 million target. This money is expected to go directly to frontline organizations that will help families meet their basic needs with rent, food, income exchange and legal assistance.
“It’s a concrete way for us all to step up and help,” Richardson said.
Long Beach officials said neighbors supporting the nearby emergency fund received a $100,000 donation from the California Community Foundation. They also received an additional $50,000 donation over the past 24 hours since the city organized the announcement.
“This administration has done nothing but instilled fear. This is why I am asking every city in this state to protect the country and the immigrants who contribute to our most precious democracy,” said city council member Mary Zendejas.
Monea Dale, Community Investment Engagement Officer for the California Community Foundation, stressed that the emergency fund reminds residents that they are not alone in this crisis.
Dale, a Long Beach resident, said the foundation believes in collective action. She invited people to support the fund.
“When we come together as residents, nonprofits, business leaders and government, we show the true strength of our community,” Dale added.
Authorities have launched a fund in response to the ongoing federal immigration enforcement project that has emerged since the beginning of June.
“We shouldn’t be forced to choose between safety and affiliation in the city of Long Beach,” Richardson said.
According to the mayor, city leaders held an emergency closure meeting, during which they voted to take part in a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, led by the American Civil Liberties Union.
Los Angeles County and several other cities are doing the same thing.
The fund is one of many initiatives the Long Beach community takes to help residents in need, Richardson said. The city plans to introduce a “protect our values” package and a 2026 budget next week, according to the mayor.
He said these measures include funding to support emergency cash assistance programs for immigrant families, legal defense through the Long Beach Judicial Fund, food and housing security programs, and resources to keep families safe, stable and together.
“In this moment, let us unite and meet the division. Let us meet the fear of faith and compassion and cruelty,” Richardson said. “Let’s show you the good possibility that Long Beach is bringing us together. We can stand up to meet in this moment.”
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