We know that the effects of immigration enforcement on a community are stunning from first-hand experience. As an Oceanside nonprofit, we cannot wait to bless some local families this year after what has been a horrific Summer. While every immigrant’s experience is worth understanding, we’re honored to share what we know about a few beloved families around here.
In 2025 we raised $4000 so these families can pay bills, get groceries, and prepare their children for the upcoming school year. These families are also carrying the burden of legal fees which are not cheap. We are concealing the minor’s images because we are moms. Here are the beautiful families we’re working for this year...
ATTACKED BY ICE 6/10/25 in Oceanside, CA
On the morning of June 10th, our neighbor was abducted as he and his wife were getting into their car. They had just attended their son’s elementary school award ceremony, a happy community event, when they were descended upon by agents. Mom gave an update to the Human Rights Council of Oceanside (HRCO), who has supported the family since they arrived on the scene of the incident, saying “Especially thank you to the people who make up the community... you have supported me so much”. HRCO posted information on how to support on 6/13/25 on Instagram.
Direct link to their GoFundMe HERE
ATTACKED BY ICE 6/18/25
Another morning ruined here in Oceanside, this time at 6:00am. A swarm of agents in tactical gear smashed the Robles Ortega family’s windows as Dad got ready for work. After throwing smoke bombs and flying drones into their home, the agents arrested and intimidated the whole family. After community intervention, the teens were released. Brave community members documented the interaction to save evidence as needed. We’re happy to see HRCO also supporting this family according to their Instagram. This story was covered by KPBS as well:
https://www.kpbs.org/news/racial-justice-social-equity/2025/06/27/oceanside-neighborhood-on-high-alert-after-family-detained-by-armed-ice-agents
Direct link to their GoFundMe HERE
ATTACKED BY ICE 7/24/25
Unfortunately our neighbors are being profiled for looking like hard working people. The Escobar family suffered multiple abductions on the same morning, with agents kidnapping not only Dad but their uncles too, in different vehicles on their way to work. Imagine, hearing your husband has been abducted and you have to figure out how to go pick up his work truck with your three kids with you, only to get the phone call your brothers are getting attacked on the same day. Now Mom is working even harder to support their three elementary aged children as a college student without their primary income. We found that HRCO is supporting the family and they posted to their Instagram for this family as well.
Direct link to their GoFundMe HERE
This Artists in Solidarity syndicate is proud to report grant distributions to three Oceanside families experiencing hardship due to immigration enforcement. The fathers that were taken, four in all, leave behind children and wives who miss them dearly. Losing an income, sometimes the only income in the home, is devastating if you live in Oceanside. We’re sending each family $1000 per missing dad - $4000 total raised by artists and caring people like you. If you want to support these families, please find links to each of their GoFundMe fundraisers above .
We cannot find the words to thank all the artists and supporters who are taking action by participating in our auction. We are so grateful.
We all know families personally impacted by these roving armed gangs. We encourage you to stay close to your neighbors, check in, know each other and create local safety. Keep an eye out. Get involved in your local government to fight the violent forces enacting racist policy nationwide.
Action starts at home, in real life. Unplug and get stupid creative with us as we seek new ways to resist and sabotage through artistic intervention. Netbanging might feel good, but it ain’t enough. Someone said theory without practice ain’t shit. Email us if you want to participate in future creative action. ARTISTS UNITE!
Our feeds are flooded and we don’t know where to invest our attention. Start with your neighbors. Check in. Say hi. Don’t be scared of each other. Find solidarity in what you have in common, and when they’re going through it, step up.
As an organization we’ve learned of stories like these three families since before we incorporated. These stories are not new or unusual. We refuse to let them get buried under the news feed and we’re grateful for the opportunity to amplify these families’ lived experiences to call out racist activity in our hometown when we see it.
We plan to continue granting organizations and individuals in the future, and we’re grateful for the supporters who love immigrants as much as we do, especially the brave individuals who work at the local level supporting families just like this.
If you are interested in grant funding, please see our FAQ section and contact us.