**Bay Area Cities Reassure Immigrant Communities Ahead of Halloween and Dia de los Muertos Events**
*ANTIOCH* — Amid nationwide concerns over federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities during Halloween, Bay Area cities are assuring the public that everyone will be protected and welcomed during upcoming celebrations.
Ahead of Halloween and the Dia de los Muertos community event scheduled for Saturday in Antioch, city officials and the police department emphasized their commitment to serving and protecting the community regardless of immigration status.
“We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the event, knowing that your safety, rights, and dignity will be respected,” the city stated on Wednesday. Officers will be present to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all attendees.
Capt. Desmond Bittner clarified that the police presence is focused on public safety, not enforcing immigration laws.
Jaden Baird, Antioch’s public information officer, shared that the Parks and Recreation Department has received concerns from community members worried about typical Halloween celebrations due to nationwide immigration enforcement raids. “We want folks to know that they can go out and enjoy, and we are here to protect you,” Baird said.
The Antioch Police Department reiterated its policy of not participating in ICE raids or other federal immigration enforcement efforts—an approach shared by several other East Bay departments. Officers will not inquire about immigration status for enforcement purposes, detain individuals over civil immigration violations, use state databases for immigration enforcement, or question victims or witnesses about their immigration status when reporting crimes.
The department noted that any federal immigration enforcement requests must be reviewed by a supervisor and are only acted upon in emergency situations.
Police Chief Joe Vigil announced that the department will host its own haunted house event on Friday. “I encourage people to have a good time, stay safe and always take care of one another,” Vigil said. “If anything pops up that doesn’t look right, give us a call.”
In nearby Brentwood, Public Information Officer Lindzie Laughridge reassured residents that local law enforcement does not participate in federal immigration enforcement. The department remains dedicated to serving all members of the community with professionalism, fairness, and respect.
Laughridge noted that officers will be working regular shifts throughout the weekend and encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity. “We just want to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all members of our community,” she said.
In Oakland, Mayor Barbara Lee shared that the city has been collaborating extensively with community partners to ensure immigrant communities are informed and supported during this season, including at the city’s Dia de los Muertos event happening this weekend.
“Oakland is a sanctuary city and committed to upholding policies that prevent the Oakland Police Department and city staff from assisting or participating in immigration law enforcement,” Lee stated. “Our officers will be present at the festival to ensure public safety and protect residents’ rights. Our families deserve to celebrate their culture and traditions safely, and Oakland will stand firmly with our immigrant communities to ensure that happens.”
The San Jose Police Department also reaffirmed that its policies have remained unchanged, emphasizing that it does not participate in or assist federal immigration actions. “Our focus continues to be on maintaining public safety and trust within our community,” the department said.
Marivel Mendoza, spokesperson for the East County Rapid Response Coalition, urged community members to stay vigilant during celebrations, noting concerns about individuals potentially impersonating federal agents. “I think people need to be very mindful and observant of certain costumes because I think there are going to be people who want to do something because they think it’s funny,” Mendoza said.
The coalition will be volunteering at events to educate people about their rights and how to access help if needed.
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**National Update: Illinois Governor’s Request to Pause Immigration Enforcement Denied**
On a national level, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker requested that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem suspend immigration enforcement from Friday, October 31 to Sunday, November 2, particularly in and around homes, schools, hospitals, parks, houses of worship, and other community gatherings during Halloween.
“Illinois families deserve to spend Halloween weekend without fear,” Pritzker wrote. “No child should be forced to inhale tear gas or other chemical agents while trick or treating in their own neighborhood.”
Secretary Noem rejected the request, stating, “We’re absolutely not willing to put on pause any work that we will do to keep communities safe.” She criticized the request as “shameful” and expressed the importance of continuing enforcement work to bring criminals to justice, especially as children are out enjoying holiday festivities.
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As Halloween and Dia de los Muertos events take place across the Bay Area, local law enforcement agencies continue to emphasize their focus on community safety while respecting the rights and dignity of all residents, regardless of immigration status. Residents are encouraged to participate in celebrations with confidence and report any concerns to local authorities.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/10/30/in-response-to-fears-over-ice-enforcement-bay-area-cities-assure-that-everyone-will-be-protected-during-halloween/