Local officials have begun an initiative in El Monte to support families impacted by ongoing immigration enforcement raids that have occurred throughout the county this month.
To address food insecurity and support communities experiencing heightened enforcement by federal immigration authorities, Los Angeles County 1st District Supervisor Hilda Solis announced Thursday a $100,000 donation to El Monte Business Alliance. The funding will support legal aid and food assistance, providing weekly groceries to households unable or unwilling to leave their homes because of increased immigration enforcement.
Solis, El Monte Mayor Pro Tem Marisol Cortez and city officials gathered at the Mountain View Family Center to launch the El Monte Cares initiative. Also in attendance were El Monte City Council members, nonprofit leaders, small business owners and youth volunteers.
“As immigration sweeps intensify, too many families are being forced into the shadows, afraid to go to work, buy groceries, or seek medical care,” Solis said in a statement. “With El Monte Cares, we are creating a safety net grounded in compassion, dignity, and decisive action. This program ensures that no one in our community is left behind simply because they live in fear. This isn’t just about providing food. It’s about advancing justice. No family should have to choose between feeding their children and risking deportation.”
The program’s first phase is underway and includes weekly food distributions, legal and immigration consultations, access to medical and mental health services, bilingual case management and support for seniors and students. Through June 30, caseworkers will meet with community members “in a culturally competent and trauma-informed way to ensure privacy, safety and continuity of care.”
El Monte Mayor Pro Tem Cortez said in a statement, “El Monte Cares is how our city shows up — with real resources, not just rhetoric. We are here to say loudly and clearly: you are not alone. This program is about care over fear, and action over silence.”
Phase 2 of the program, set for July through December, expands staffing, outreach work and services to support more families throughout the LA area, according to Solis’ office.
Patricia Alarcón, who Solis’ office described as a community development and emergency response expert with over 20 years of experience, leads the implementation of El Monte Cares. She said “equity and urgency” guide every decision the team makes.
Residents interested in assistance from the program were advised to call 800-622-4302.
