On Tuesday, Feb. 3, I attended the Santa Maria City Council meeting, excited to hear how my city officials would respond to the violent ICE presence harming my community. Instead, everyone, including myself, left feeling frustrated, unheard, and saddened by how quickly the issue was glanced through, despite many of us going to voice real concerns affecting our families and friends.
Hearing our city leadership dismiss stronger actions to protect their constituents made me feel like our voices, especially young ones, are not valued. Regardless, we showed up because we believe Santa Maria can do better.
As a student, I see firsthand how immigration policies affect young people. One of my closest friends experienced family members being kidnapped by ICE. The emotional toll it continues to have on them is heartbreaking. Fear, anxiety, and uncertainty follow them into classrooms, making it harder to focus, feel safe, or imagine a stable future. This is not just a political issue, it is a human one.
That is why staff trainings and an ad hoc committee on immigration are not only realistic but necessary. These actions would help ensure immigrant families in Santa Maria are treated with dignity and respect and that city policies reflect compassion rather than fear. Linking immigrants to crime or violence is harmful and inaccurate, and it only deepens stigma while isolating youth who already feel vulnerable.
True leadership listens, especially when the community speaks with urgency and care. I hope our leaders rise to that responsibility.
Bradyn Lopez
Future Leaders of America
Santa Maria High School
This article appears in February 19 – February 26, 2026.