Immigrant families are part of the fabric of California. They build our communities, strengthen our economy, and enrich our faith institutions. Yet millions live with fear created by detention, deportation, and a patchwork of laws that separate families and destabilize neighborhoods.
Immigrant justice is not only about resisting harmful policies. It is about building communities where every family has stability, protection, and the opportunity to thrive.
We organize because no one should live in fear of being torn from their home.
We believe immigration policy should reflect freedom, fairness, and family unity.
PICO California organizes to protect immigrant communities, end criminalization, and build a future where all people can live with dignity and security.
What We Stand For
We work to:
- Advance pathways to full citizenship for undocumented immigrants
- End mass detention and deportation
- Stop local collaboration with federal immigration enforcement
- Protect Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status recipients
- Expand access to healthcare, housing, education, and living wages regardless of status
We reject narratives that criminalize and divide. We organize to replace fear with belonging.
Protecting Families in Real Time
In addition to policy organizing, our federations operate one of the largest Rapid Response Networks in the country. Trained volunteers respond to immigration enforcement activity, provide accompaniment at court dates and check-ins, and mobilize community defense efforts.
Congregations offer sanctuary, deportation defense support, and direct accompaniment to ensure families are not left alone in moments of crisis.
When enforcement threatens a family, we show up.
What We’ve Helped Win
Limiting State Collaboration with ICE
We helped pass one of the strongest state laws in the country limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
Blocking Expanded Detention Funding
Working with national partners, we helped stop additional federal funding that would have expanded immigrant detention.
Local Infrastructure for Immigrant Support
Our organizing helped establish county-level immigrant and refugee affairs offices that connect families to legal defense, services, and trusted community resources.
Pandemic Relief Regardless of Status
During COVID-19, we organized for no-cost testing and treatment regardless of immigration status and secured tens of millions in disaster relief funding for immigrant workers excluded from federal relief programs.
Community Deportation Defense
Across the state, our federations have mobilized to support families facing detention and deportation, helping secure releases and keep families together.