Immigration activists in LA launch 'Liberty Vans' to respond to ICE raids

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Immigrants targeted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles have little recourse to put a stop to it, but one group of activists is trying to lend them support by sending their "Liberty Vans" to help them out.

As Congress debates how to fund the government, an agreement by Oct. 1 would result in over $11 billion for ICE operations and hiring, $500 million for detention centers and $200 million for detainments and removals. Immigration activists in L.A. are preparing for this ramping up by launching three vehicles to respond to ICE raids.

"We're out there safeguarding democracy, the rights of all," said Juan Jose Gutierrez, the executive director of the Full Rights for Immigration Coalition.

The Liberty Vans aren't expected to stop the raids, but the goal is to make sure federal agents comply with the law. The vehicles will be staffed with three people to assist immigrants.

"The faith leader is going to, obviously, provide spiritual support. The lawyer will provide on-site legal assistance, and the videographer is going to document what happens," Gutierrez said.

"We know right now it is a very difficult time to ask for help. Sometimes people feel that because the federal government has been targeting them, that going anywhere near government assistance is going to put them at risk," said L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. "Let people know they're not alone. There are organizations here to support you."

In the city of San Fernando on Friday, Horvath and the city announced a $95,000 grant to support immigrant families. This will expand food distributions, emergency cash and case management to those impacted by ICE raids.

"There's a lot of families that are fearful, a lot of families that haven't been able to make ends meet, and they're falling behind on rent. It's not just their rent, it's their utilities, it's groceries," said Albert Hernandez, the CEO of Home Again Los Angeles.

The three Liberty Vans will be in the field in the coming weeks in L.A. and Ventura counties, operating 24/7.