Long Beach, Paramount Launch New Services To Aid Immigrant Families

LONG BEACH, CA — City officials in Long Beach and Paramount have launched new services that support immigrant families as federal agencies continue to carry out raids across California.

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson announced Saturday that Long Beach would be launching the Neighbors Supporting Neighbors Fund, a new service that will provide legal aid, emergency relief and safety for immigrant families in Long Beach.

“Right now, many of our neighbors are living in fear — afraid to leave their homes or take their children to school,” Richardson said in a statement Saturday. “We will not stand by while families suffer. Together, we can show that Long Beach stands united.”

The announcement comes following the city's decision to join a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union against the Trump Administration. The Department of Justice last month sued Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and councilmembers, accusing them of violating the Constitution with their sanctuary city policies.

Long Beach has also adopted a similar ordinance and is considered a sanctuary city.

Richardson has been vocal about Long Beach's stance against immigration enforcement and ongoing ICE raids

Earlier this month, he said that ICE was terrorizing communities and operating without any accountability.

"We will continue to pursue every available avenue to defend our residents," said in a post on X on July 12.

Neighboring Paramount, meanwhile, has also launched an initiative to help support its immigrant families.

SEE ALSO: ‘American Nightmare’: Day Laborers Share Experience Of Anti-ICE Protests At Paramount Home Depot

On July 16, the city announced that councilmembers agreed to establish an Immigration Humanitarian Program to assist local families with essential needs such as food, medical expenses, childcare and housing.

The services will be delivered through two community partners, Mujeres Unidas Sirviendo Activamente (MUSA) and the Paramount Care Foundation, to ensure the privacy and security of the city's most vulnerable residents, according to city officials.

Paramount is a predominantly Hispanic community and was the site of a large anti-ICE protest in June that turned violent.