Amezcua’s communications sought after 'no response' to disclose actions during ICE raids
In a video statement released Wednesday, Mayor Amezcua claimed she had been working behind the scenes for three days while federal immigration enforcement was active in Santa Ana, starting Monday, June 9. Many commentators criticized her response as too late, and in a follow-up interview with ABC7’s David Gonzalez, she drew even further criticism.
Inadvertent asked Amezcua three times starting Thursday what she was doing during those crucial days. With no response, the publication has since filed a public records request for all of her communications from Friday, June 6 to Wednesday of last week.
A response from the City should be given within 10 days of the public records request being filed.
Meanwhile, The Santanero reached out to Amezcua on Sunday night, June 8, just hours before ICE raids began, via Instagram DM. We asked if she had any statement for Santaneros regarding the possibility of immigration enforcement activity in the city. Unbeknownst to us, the raids began the very next morning.
On Monday morning, June 9, The Santanero followed up by texting Amezcua on her official city number, again requesting a statement for concerned community members — many of whom were in fear or looking to protest. Amezcua saw the message within a minute but never replied.
The Santanero then texted Amezcua again asking for a statement as well as if she could give an update if any officers were injured, among other crucial questions after Monday's protest. She left us on read, again.
The next day, Tuesday morning, June 10, Congressman Lou Correa held a press conference at 10:00 AM. Mayor Amezcua was spotted at the venue, and it was widely assumed she would speak or take questions. Instead, she left before the conference began.
After the press conference, The Santanero went to City Hall to request an in-person meeting with the mayor. She was unavailable. Instead, Public Information Officer Paul Eakins came downstairs, but he wasn’t able to answer any of our questions and asked us to follow up by email.
Since then, The Santanero has sent more than 80 questions to both Eakins and Santa Ana Police Department’s Public Information Officer Natalie Garcia. So far, there’s been no response to any of the 80+ questions — except a single email from Eakins on Friday afternoon, saying he’s working to get answers.
One of the over 80 questions also included asking what Amezcua was doing during the 36 hours of late Sunday to Tuesday morning.
Neither the City nor the police department has held a press conference since raids began June 9. Instead, they’ve released statements on social media urging peace and sharing community resources, such as the “Know Your Rights” page.
Criticism of the Mayor's alleged silence has boiled to an online recall petition, which is nearing 5,000 signatures. However, the City will not recognize it as an official recall and paperwork must be filled out at City Hall to initiate the process.
A City Council meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 17, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers near City Hall. Hundreds are expected to speak. Arrive early to fill out a comment card or join via Zoom.
