Last updated: September 2025
As immigration enforcement becomes more frequent, Santa Cruz Local has compiled information and resources from government agencies and immigration nonprofits.
Have a question we didn’t answer, or a resource we should add? Email us at [email protected], or send a text, WhatsApp or Signal message to 831-291-3456.
Santa Cruz Local is a news organization, and while we can help find information and resources, we cannot directly assist with housing or legal services. Information on this page is not legal advice.
Know your rights
- You have the right to remain silent.
- You do not have to open their door for immigration officials or law enforcement unless presented with a judicial warrant.
- You have the right to see a lawyer before signing documents, although if arrested by immigration enforcement you do not have the right to a public defender.
- Find a “red card” with information on rights that can be handed to immigration enforcement to assert legal protections. They are distributed at many organizations and can be printed in several languages.
- The Office of the California Attorney General has a list of immigrant rights and other resources, and a quick reference guide in English and Spanish.
Make a plan
- Memorize the phone number for an emergency contact, like a family member or attorney, in case of arrest.
- Your emergency contacts should have your immigration number (A-number) to help you if detained or arrested. An ICE locator can search for detainees by name or immigration number, but the information may be delayed.
- Parents should fill out a child care safety plan with details of who will care for their children in case a parent is arrested, deported or otherwise needs help.
- Create a financial plan on what to do with your money in case of arrest, deportation or another emergency, and decide who will have access to accounts.
- Fill out a privacy waiver so a family or community member can receive updates and records from the Department of Homeland Security if you are detained. Fill out the form ahead of time, and have someone sign, date and submit it if you are detained.
Get legal help
There are local nonprofit organizations that offer free or low-cost legal services and consultations, and referrals to private attorneys.
- Santa Cruz County Immigration Project: 406 Main Street, Suite 218, Watsonville. Offers bilingual legal services to immigrants living in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley. Services are free or fee-based depending on eligibility. Open Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. by appointment only. Call 831-763-2147 for more information or to make an appointment.
- Catholic Charities: 656 Main Street, Watsonville. Offers free bilingual immigration legal help and other resources. Open Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. by appointment only. Call 831-722-2675 for more information or to make an appointment.
- Watsonville Law Center: 315 Main Street, Suite 207, Watsonville. Provides free bilingual legal services to those living in the Central Coast. Open Tuesday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and Wednesday 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., and by appointment on some evenings and weekends. Call 831-722-2845 for more information or to make an appointment.
- Monarch Services: Offices in Santa Cruz and Watsonville. A bilingual hotline for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking that provides resources, support and referral to legal services. The 24-hour crisis hotline is 1-888-900-4232. The legal help line is available on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m at 831-281-0400.
Only certified lawyers or federally-accredited organizations can legally assist with immigration paperwork. Notarios (notaries) cannot. Read more here.
Other resources
- Your Allied Rapid Response runs a hotline to report for possible ICE sightings in Santa Cruz County at 831-239-4289. Call (831) 643-5225 for sightings in Monterey County, and see the American Civil Liberties Union for other counties.
- Second Harvest Food Bank offers free food delivery for people who do not want to visit distribution sites. Call 831-662-0991 or email [email protected] to request delivery.
- Santa Cruz Welcoming Network assists asylum-seekers and other refugees. They have resource pages on how to access healthcare, food, employment and other needs. Email [email protected] for more information.
- Sus Derechos, a project of the Santa Cruz Office of Education and local nonprofits, has more immigration information and resources.
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