Arrests of ICE observers renew scrutiny of Santa Ana police as community trust faces further strain

[reporting: Flower & 6th, Santa Ana]

The arrest of two immigration enforcement observers Wednesday has renewed questions about public trust in Santa Ana police following controversies involving the department's response to anti-ICE demonstrations, allegations of police brutality against Florentino Lopez and previous arrests of ICE observers.

Madison Crabill, 25, and Adilene Tonoco, 33, were arrested after two off-duty federal agents accused them of stalking, obstruction and conspiracy.

According to SAPD spokesperson Natalie Garcia, the off-duty ICE agents alleged that the women followed them after leaving a federal building, blocked their vehicle in an alley and ran two red lights while following them toward the police station.

The agents claimed they recognized the women from earlier federal operations in La Habra and expressed concerns for their safety.

Garcia said the arrests followed an investigation and the agents' expressed desire for prosecution.

Melissa Rios, community organizer for LUCHA Costa Mesa, disputed the agents' account, saying they had been involved in an immigration operation in Costa Mesa earlier that day.

"This feels like entrapment for them and they're just making up complete lies and excuses," Rios said.

Rios also alleged that the ICE observers were mocked for approximately an hour while federal agents presented their allegations.

Santa Ana Councilmember Jessie Lopez called for the immediate release of the two ICE observers, questioning why police appeared able to respond quickly to federal immigration agents while residents continue reporting delays in emergency responses.

"It is questionable that SAPD can respond so quickly to assist ICE in detaining a mother and a member of our community, yet residents struggle to get a timely response when they report crimes, including burglaries in progress," Lopez said.

Lopez also criticized the arrests as a threat to residents' rights to observe immigration enforcement.

"SAPD must learn to respect the rights of our ICE watchers to legally observe and document immigration enforcement activity. Community members exercising their legal right to observe law enforcement should not be treated as the problem," she said.

History of tensions with police

The arrests follow criticism of Santa Ana police over their response to demonstrations against federal immigration enforcement in June 2025.

During protests outside the Santa Ana Federal Building, officers deployed less-lethal projectiles and chemical munitions against demonstrators. At one point, officers fired unto a peaceful protest without warning.

An April 2026 presentation to the Santa Ana City Council revealed that officers fired more than 200 less-lethal 40mm projectiles, approximately 60 beanbag rounds and 35 chemical-agent munitions during four demonstrations.

27 protesters were arrested, and the department's response cost nearly $400,000.

The presentation also revealed that SAPD responded to a request for assistance from federal authorities, prompting criticism over the department's relationship with immigration enforcement agencies.

Police Chief Robert Rodriguez defended the decision, arguing that refusing assistance could have resulted in additional federal personnel being deployed.

More recently, allegations of police brutality involving Florentino Lopez, who was repeatedly struck by Santa Ana officers during an Oct. 1 arrest captured on video, renewed calls for accountability.

The department also faced scrutiny following the July arrest of an ICE observer outside the Santa Ana Federal Building after using chalk on public infrastructure.

SB 54 and cooperation with ICE

The latest arrests have renewed attention to California's Senate Bill 54, known as the California Values Act, which restricts the use of local law enforcement resources for federal civil immigration enforcement.

Enacted in 2017, the law was designed partly to preserve trust between immigrant communities and police so residents feel comfortable reporting crimes and seeking assistance without fear of immigration consequences.

Santa Ana identifies itself as Orange County's only sanctuary city, and SAPD maintains that it does not participate in federal civil immigration enforcement.

However, the department has acknowledged cooperating with federal agencies on criminal investigations and public safety matters.

While SB 54 does not prohibit police from investigating alleged state crimes reported by federal agents, the arrests raise questions about the extent of cooperation between SAPD and federal immigration authorities.

Observers reported witnessing communication between local police and federal agents before Crabill and Tonoco were arrested. Photographs also showed federal agents with their faces uncovered and firearms visible.

SAPD has not publicly detailed those communications or explained what evidence independently corroborated the agents' allegations.

Concerns over community trust

The arrests add to concerns among immigration enforcement observers about whether documenting federal operations could expose them to criminal allegations.

Observing and recording law enforcement activity in public spaces is generally protected under the First Amendment, although those protections do not extend to independently unlawful conduct.

For residents concerned about SAPD's handling of immigration-related demonstrations and allegations of excessive force, the arrests present another test of the department's relationship with the community.

Rios said she hopes the arrests will not discourage residents from monitoring federal immigration enforcement.

"With everything happening right now, I hope that patrollers and people who are just taking care of the community aren't afraid to continue," Rios said.

"If anything, this should show that they are afraid of us. Cops, ICE are afraid of us because we actually help the community and we're trying to protect people who live here."

A press conference hosted by several immigrant advocacy groups addressing the arrests is scheduled for 3 PM Thursday.