By Sydney Fishman | Bay City News
The first rapid response network and watch hotline for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Mendocino County has launched with the help of several local volunteers.
Anyone who sees ICE agents in the area can call (707) 621-8220 to report sightings to the Mendocino County Rapid Response Network, which has volunteers trained and ready to quickly identify, verify, and inform the community if ICE is conducting raids or detaining immigrants locally.
The network also works to dispel false rumors of ICE sightings, share verified information with local news outlets, and post updates about ICE activity on social media. The network officially launched in early December, but the group has been recruiting volunteers and organizing trainings since the spring of 2025.
Rapid response networks are volunteer-led community organizations that monitor ICE activity and support immigrant communities. These networks largely came to prominence during President Donald Trump’s first term, following his administration’s increased targeting and removal of immigrants lacking permanent legal status.
According to a news release from the Mendocino County network, “An important part of the network is the sharing of community education so people know their rights and how to protect themselves.”
Judy Abeja Hummel, of Boonville, a volunteer and member of the network’s steering committee, said in an interview that one of their goals is to support local immigrant neighbors and friends who are fearful of ICE raids.
“I hope that ICE does not come to this community, but if they do, I want us to be ready to stand up in solidarity with all of our neighbors. To me this isn’t a question of immigration, this is a question of civil rights, human rights, and human decency,” Hummel said. “Many of my Latino neighbors have been afraid to leave the house, or they just go to work and come straight home. There have been many false alarms and rumors that keep re-traumatizing people. One important thing we offer is checking every rumor that comes along and verifying or debunking it as quickly as possible, so that people can go on living their lives.”
Hummel also said the network has trained 125 local volunteers to help monitor and verify ICE sightings. She said the steering committee has about six to eight people leading the group’s efforts. The network is still looking for a local volunteer coordinator for the Round Valley region.
“We are divided into five regions — Ukiah, Willits, Anderson Valley, North Coast, and South Coast, and each area has a local volunteer coordinator organizing, vetting, and bringing volunteers onboard,” Hummel said.
The Mendocino County Rapid Response Network will also be hosting “know your rights” trainings in Spanish and English, has a program to support businesses in being prepared for immigration raids, and is developing a group of volunteers to accompany immigrants to their court hearings.
To learn more about the Mendocino County Rapid Response Network, people can go to https://www.mendorrn.org/hola.
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