Richmond neighbors launch fundraiser for families affected by North & East ICE operation

Richmond residents are organizing a fundraiser to support two local families affected by a recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in the North & East neighborhood.

The October operation occurred on Humphrey Avenue and resulted in the detention of two men. According to community members, the arrests left two mothers and their young children, including a five-month-old baby, without financial support.

A GoFundMe campaign titled Neighbors Helping Neighbors was created to help the families remain housed and cover essential expenses. The fundraiser notes that both mothers are facing sudden hardship after being “tragically separated from some of their family members.”

“We know that we take care of our own, and as such, we are hoping you will help these two mothers get on their feet by donating and sharing this fundraiser with your networks,” the organizers wrote.

The campaign aims to raise enough funds to help the families pay for rent, utilities, food, diapers, and other necessities as they search for stability. Organizers said the goal is to “give them time to find jobs” and ensure that their children are properly cared for during the transition.

Councilmember Claudia Jiménez shared information about the fundraiser in her newsletter, praising the neighborhood’s response and reaffirming Richmond’s commitment to immigrant protections.

“I am so proud that our neighbors have come together to support these families through an online fundraiser,” Jiménez wrote. “Richmond has always been a city that looks out for one another, and this is a moment where we must come together once more.”

Jiménez also highlighted the city’s ongoing investment in immigrant services. Earlier this month, the City of Richmond announced the first round of grant awardees from its $1 million Immigrant Legal Services and Public Awareness Campaigns and Outreach Program, approved by the City Council earlier this year.

According to a city memo issued on October 2, 2025, the new program will provide both legal defense and affirmative immigration support, including assistance with visa, green card, and citizenship applications. The city awarded the following contracts:

East Bay Sanctuary Covenant: $323,118.66 for legal defense and affirmative immigration services over two years

Catholic Charities East Bay: $394,225.26 for affirmative immigration services and a one-year public awareness campaign

Multicultural Institute: $130,000 for a one-year public awareness campaign and outreach

The remaining funds from the $1 million allocation will be used to expand service capacity and address potential gaps in legal or outreach coverage. The city plans to announce the program’s launch once contracts are executed and service start dates are confirmed.

Richmond maintains a sanctuary city policy that prohibits city departments, including the Police Department, from cooperating with ICE. Residents are encouraged to report any suspected ICE activity to the Richmond Community Rapid Response Network at (510) 240-9420.

The Neighbors Helping Neighbors fundraiser can be found at: gofundme.com/f/9zz39-neighbors-helping-neighbors

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