Harbor Institute for Immigrant & Economic Justice
@harborinstituteoc.bsky.social
Advancing immigrant and economic justice in Orange County, CA through community-centered research and policy advocacy 📊
harborinstituteoc.org
harborinstituteoc.org
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New Report on OC's Immigrant and Refugee Communities: Organizing for Change
New Report on OC’s Immigrant and Refugee Communities: Organizing for Change We’re excited to announce the release of our new report, “Organizing for Change: Opportunities for Immigrant and Economic Ju...
harborinstituteoc.org
Hi Bluesky! We’re the Harbor Institute for Immigrant & Economic Justice, based in Orange County, CA. We:
• Develop research to support campaigns for immigrant and economic justice
• Advocate for policies that uplift working-class immigrants and refugees
harborinstituteoc.org/2024ocreport/
• Develop research to support campaigns for immigrant and economic justice
• Advocate for policies that uplift working-class immigrants and refugees
harborinstituteoc.org/2024ocreport/
A firm majority of Asian Americans, including those who are Vietnamese, say that Trump has overstepped on immigration, jobs, Palestine, and other key issues for these communities.
Some highlights from the latest
AAPIData / AP-NORC survey
Some highlights from the latest
AAPIData / AP-NORC survey
November 19, 2025 at 12:55 AM
A firm majority of Asian Americans, including those who are Vietnamese, say that Trump has overstepped on immigration, jobs, Palestine, and other key issues for these communities.
Some highlights from the latest
AAPIData / AP-NORC survey
Some highlights from the latest
AAPIData / AP-NORC survey
Join us for a live webinar and Q&A session breaking down key 2025 immigration votes, and the impact of the newly passed #Prop50 on OC's swing district representatives. We'll hear from Harbor Institute's policy team, as well as guest speakers from CAIR-LA and VietRISE.
November 5, 2025 at 11:27 PM
Join us for a live webinar and Q&A session breaking down key 2025 immigration votes, and the impact of the newly passed #Prop50 on OC's swing district representatives. We'll hear from Harbor Institute's policy team, as well as guest speakers from CAIR-LA and VietRISE.
The Garden Grove City Council voted 5–1–1 to advance a resolution supporting immigrants and promoting civil liberties — despite racist remarks from Councilmember George S. Brietigam and repeated attempts by Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein to delay the vote.
October 30, 2025 at 1:36 AM
The Garden Grove City Council voted 5–1–1 to advance a resolution supporting immigrants and promoting civil liberties — despite racist remarks from Councilmember George S. Brietigam and repeated attempts by Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein to delay the vote.
A recent ProPublica investigation revealed that over 170 U.S. citizens have been detained by ICE during immigration raids this year — including nearly 20 children, two of whom are battling cancer.
October 24, 2025 at 10:04 PM
A recent ProPublica investigation revealed that over 170 U.S. citizens have been detained by ICE during immigration raids this year — including nearly 20 children, two of whom are battling cancer.
his weekend, we joined the #NoKingsRally in Santa Ana, talking with community members about the immigration voting record of OC's Congressional Dems
While thousands across OC took to the streets to reject Trump’s authoritarian agenda, we expect our representatives to do better.
While thousands across OC took to the streets to reject Trump’s authoritarian agenda, we expect our representatives to do better.
October 21, 2025 at 2:01 AM
his weekend, we joined the #NoKingsRally in Santa Ana, talking with community members about the immigration voting record of OC's Congressional Dems
While thousands across OC took to the streets to reject Trump’s authoritarian agenda, we expect our representatives to do better.
While thousands across OC took to the streets to reject Trump’s authoritarian agenda, we expect our representatives to do better.
In his strongest criticism yet of Trump’s anti-immigrant policies, Pope Leo XIV condemned earlier this week the hypocrisy of claiming to defend life while pushing cruelty against immigrants.
October 2, 2025 at 11:58 PM
In his strongest criticism yet of Trump’s anti-immigrant policies, Pope Leo XIV condemned earlier this week the hypocrisy of claiming to defend life while pushing cruelty against immigrants.
On September 21, the community marched to demand ¡ICE Fuera de OC! in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling on racial profiling.
October 1, 2025 at 9:32 PM
On September 21, the community marched to demand ¡ICE Fuera de OC! in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling on racial profiling.
Garden Grove Mayor Pro Tem Joe DoVinh (D) said on a Vietnamese YouTube show this summer that he instructed the city manager and police chief to cooperate with ICE, even threatening to fire the chief if he refused.
October 1, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Garden Grove Mayor Pro Tem Joe DoVinh (D) said on a Vietnamese YouTube show this summer that he instructed the city manager and police chief to cooperate with ICE, even threatening to fire the chief if he refused.
Reposted by Harbor Institute for Immigrant & Economic Justice
"The decision unmasks the outright lie that these raids are about protecting public safety from serious threats. The Supreme Court majority makes clear that average non-white workers are targets" Chris Newman, Legal Director, NDLON
ndlon.org/statement-fr...
ndlon.org/statement-fr...
Statement from Chris Newman of NDLON on SCOTUS decision to Grant Stay in LA Raids Case – NDLON
For Immediate Release // Please Excuse Cross Posting Wednesday, September 8th, 2025 Contact: Palmira Figueroa, 425-301-2764; pfigueroa@ndlon.org
ndlon.org
September 8, 2025 at 11:26 PM
"The decision unmasks the outright lie that these raids are about protecting public safety from serious threats. The Supreme Court majority makes clear that average non-white workers are targets" Chris Newman, Legal Director, NDLON
ndlon.org/statement-fr...
ndlon.org/statement-fr...
Reposted by Harbor Institute for Immigrant & Economic Justice
OPINION:
‘I feel betrayed’: ICE beat and detained his father. Now this Marine is speaking out.
Marine veteran Alejandro Barranco joins @chrislhayes.bsky.social after the violent beating and detainment of his immigrant father by masked U.S. Border Patrol agents.
WATCH:
‘I feel betrayed’: ICE beat and detained his father. Now this Marine is speaking out.
Marine veteran Alejandro Barranco joins @chrislhayes.bsky.social after the violent beating and detainment of his immigrant father by masked U.S. Border Patrol agents.
WATCH:
‘I feel betrayed’: ICE beat and detained his father. Now this Marine is speaking out.
YouTube video by MSNBC
www.youtube.com
June 25, 2025 at 4:31 PM
OPINION:
‘I feel betrayed’: ICE beat and detained his father. Now this Marine is speaking out.
Marine veteran Alejandro Barranco joins @chrislhayes.bsky.social after the violent beating and detainment of his immigrant father by masked U.S. Border Patrol agents.
WATCH:
‘I feel betrayed’: ICE beat and detained his father. Now this Marine is speaking out.
Marine veteran Alejandro Barranco joins @chrislhayes.bsky.social after the violent beating and detainment of his immigrant father by masked U.S. Border Patrol agents.
WATCH:
Reposted by Harbor Institute for Immigrant & Economic Justice
Since yesterday, federal agents have raided multiple L.A. workplaces in the Fashion District, a Westlake Home Depot, and other locales.
We call on our elected officials to uphold their commitment to all Angelenos, immigrants and non-immigrants alike.
We call on our elected officials to uphold their commitment to all Angelenos, immigrants and non-immigrants alike.
June 7, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Since yesterday, federal agents have raided multiple L.A. workplaces in the Fashion District, a Westlake Home Depot, and other locales.
We call on our elected officials to uphold their commitment to all Angelenos, immigrants and non-immigrants alike.
We call on our elected officials to uphold their commitment to all Angelenos, immigrants and non-immigrants alike.
After a powerful night of public comment by residents and community organizations, council directed staff to explore how our city can notify residents when ICE/DHS alerts are received, while also studying legal concerns before moving forward.
May 21, 2025 at 10:13 PM
After a powerful night of public comment by residents and community organizations, council directed staff to explore how our city can notify residents when ICE/DHS alerts are received, while also studying legal concerns before moving forward.
Tonight, Santa Ana City Councilmembers and immigrant rights advocates are calling on the city council to enact an ordinance requiring public disclosure of all ICE courtesy notifications received by the Santa Ana Police Department within 48 hours.
Santana: The Art of Standing Up While Laying Low on Immigration Crackdown
Amidst advice from Congressman Lou Correa to lay low in unprecedented times, Santa Ana elected officials are slated to consider publicly disclosing ICE activity in town as the Trump Administration eye...
voiceofoc.org
May 20, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Tonight, Santa Ana City Councilmembers and immigrant rights advocates are calling on the city council to enact an ordinance requiring public disclosure of all ICE courtesy notifications received by the Santa Ana Police Department within 48 hours.
“Los miembros de la Junta de Supervisores van a tener que tomar una postura a favor de la comunidad y en contra de las deportaciones, porque si no esto no solamente les va a costar en los bolsillos del condado, sino también políticamente.”
Habrá pérdidas millonarias en el condado de Orange si se sigue entregando a la gente para deportación, estudio - La Opinión
Líderes comunitarios insisten en pedir que la oficina del alguacil del condado de Orange deje de cooperar con ICE
laopinion.com
April 2, 2025 at 11:29 PM
“Los miembros de la Junta de Supervisores van a tener que tomar una postura a favor de la comunidad y en contra de las deportaciones, porque si no esto no solamente les va a costar en los bolsillos del condado, sino también políticamente.”
"Mai Nguyen, the organization’s research & policy manager, said that it’s “inequitable” to have immigrants get treated differently under the law, and that studies show any level of cooperation with immigration enforcement lowers immigrants’ trust in local government."
voiceofoc.org/2025/03/how-...
voiceofoc.org/2025/03/how-...
How Many People Are Turned Over to Immigration by OC Sheriff Deputies?
While the number of people transferred to ICE dropped in President Biden’s administration – with the OC Sheriff transferring 221 people to ICE last year – there are questions on if that will continue ...
voiceofoc.org
April 1, 2025 at 9:29 PM
"Mai Nguyen, the organization’s research & policy manager, said that it’s “inequitable” to have immigrants get treated differently under the law, and that studies show any level of cooperation with immigration enforcement lowers immigrants’ trust in local government."
voiceofoc.org/2025/03/how-...
voiceofoc.org/2025/03/how-...
"@donguyenmai.bsky.social research and policy manager at the nonprofit Harbor Institute said the detentions have a detrimental effect on the county’s economy.
A new report by the institute found that the ICE transfers in 2024 resulted in about $2.3 million in lost labor income in Orange County."
A new report by the institute found that the ICE transfers in 2024 resulted in about $2.3 million in lost labor income in Orange County."
ICE transfers in Orange County continue even as experts warn of economic effects
The LAPD and LA County Sheriff's Department do not collaborate with ICE but the OC Sheriff's Department does following SB54.
laist.com
April 1, 2025 at 9:18 PM
"@donguyenmai.bsky.social research and policy manager at the nonprofit Harbor Institute said the detentions have a detrimental effect on the county’s economy.
A new report by the institute found that the ICE transfers in 2024 resulted in about $2.3 million in lost labor income in Orange County."
A new report by the institute found that the ICE transfers in 2024 resulted in about $2.3 million in lost labor income in Orange County."
"Carlos Perea, executive director of the Harbor Institute for Immigrant & Economic Justice, argued the collaboration between local law enforcement and ICE does not make cities safer, but undermines public safety by building distrust and unfairly targeting communities of color."
OC Board of Supervisors holds annual forum on Sheriff’s Department cooperation with ICE
The O.C. Sheriff’s Department transferred 126 inmates to ICE enforcement in 2024.
www.ocregister.com
April 1, 2025 at 12:31 AM
"Carlos Perea, executive director of the Harbor Institute for Immigrant & Economic Justice, argued the collaboration between local law enforcement and ICE does not make cities safer, but undermines public safety by building distrust and unfairly targeting communities of color."
Research consistently shows that immigration enforcement and collaboration between local law enforcement and federal agencies do not make cities safer.
At last week’s OC Supervisors meeting on ICE transfers, Supervisor Sarmiento questioned OC Sheriff Barnes’ claims that ICE transfers reduce crime:
At last week’s OC Supervisors meeting on ICE transfers, Supervisor Sarmiento questioned OC Sheriff Barnes’ claims that ICE transfers reduce crime:
April 1, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Research consistently shows that immigration enforcement and collaboration between local law enforcement and federal agencies do not make cities safer.
At last week’s OC Supervisors meeting on ICE transfers, Supervisor Sarmiento questioned OC Sheriff Barnes’ claims that ICE transfers reduce crime:
At last week’s OC Supervisors meeting on ICE transfers, Supervisor Sarmiento questioned OC Sheriff Barnes’ claims that ICE transfers reduce crime:
If all 15,742 Orange County community members with pending immigration court cases were to be detained, the county could lose out on over $258,420,672 in annual economic activity.
Read our new report on the economic impacts of detention and deportation in OC: harborinstituteoc.org/econimpactsd...
Read our new report on the economic impacts of detention and deportation in OC: harborinstituteoc.org/econimpactsd...
March 28, 2025 at 11:59 PM
If all 15,742 Orange County community members with pending immigration court cases were to be detained, the county could lose out on over $258,420,672 in annual economic activity.
Read our new report on the economic impacts of detention and deportation in OC: harborinstituteoc.org/econimpactsd...
Read our new report on the economic impacts of detention and deportation in OC: harborinstituteoc.org/econimpactsd...
Deportations not only devastate families and communities but also harm the local economy. Our new report estimates that Trump’s mass deportation agenda could cost Orange County more than $258,420,672 in economic activity.
Check out the report: harborinstituteoc.org/econimpactsd...
Check out the report: harborinstituteoc.org/econimpactsd...
March 28, 2025 at 11:36 PM
Deportations not only devastate families and communities but also harm the local economy. Our new report estimates that Trump’s mass deportation agenda could cost Orange County more than $258,420,672 in economic activity.
Check out the report: harborinstituteoc.org/econimpactsd...
Check out the report: harborinstituteoc.org/econimpactsd...
📉 NEW REPORT: If all 15,742 Orange County community members with pending immigration court cases were to be detained, there could be a lose of $258,420,672 in economic activity; and governments would lose out on more than $26,617,329 in state and local taxes.
March 26, 2025 at 10:52 PM
📉 NEW REPORT: If all 15,742 Orange County community members with pending immigration court cases were to be detained, there could be a lose of $258,420,672 in economic activity; and governments would lose out on more than $26,617,329 in state and local taxes.
Reposted by Harbor Institute for Immigrant & Economic Justice
Must read: Mahmoud Khalil speaks out for the first time since his arrest by the Trump administration in an exclusive letter, dictated over the phone to his family, from ICE detention in Louisiana.
March 18, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Must read: Mahmoud Khalil speaks out for the first time since his arrest by the Trump administration in an exclusive letter, dictated over the phone to his family, from ICE detention in Louisiana.
Reposted by Harbor Institute for Immigrant & Economic Justice
to be clear, this is what mass deportation looks like: going after parents, grandparents, neighbors, workers, people building (or who have built) American lives who have done more to enrich their communities than any person serving in this monstrous administration
Here’s the link: ktla.com/news/local-n...
March 20, 2025 at 7:53 PM
to be clear, this is what mass deportation looks like: going after parents, grandparents, neighbors, workers, people building (or who have built) American lives who have done more to enrich their communities than any person serving in this monstrous administration
Reposted by Harbor Institute for Immigrant & Economic Justice
David Bier has brought with him extensive studies showing that undocumented immigrants are not more likely to commit crimes than others. He says there is a "mountain of empirical evidence" rejecting claims that immigrants are bringing crime or make communities unsafe.
March 5, 2025 at 3:45 PM
David Bier has brought with him extensive studies showing that undocumented immigrants are not more likely to commit crimes than others. He says there is a "mountain of empirical evidence" rejecting claims that immigrants are bringing crime or make communities unsafe.
There is no such thing as "migrant crime."
@robertgarcia.bsky.social is right #Sanctuary cities are safer.
@robertgarcia.bsky.social is right #Sanctuary cities are safer.
Moving on to Rep. Robert Garcia, who highlights his experience as a local legislator in Long Beach passing policies to support the whole community regardless of status. He says "the facts are that sanctuary jurisdictions are overwhelmingly safer than non-sanctuary jurisdictions."
March 5, 2025 at 8:50 PM
There is no such thing as "migrant crime."
@robertgarcia.bsky.social is right #Sanctuary cities are safer.
@robertgarcia.bsky.social is right #Sanctuary cities are safer.