Sidewalk chalk or vandalism? Arrest of local ICE watcher raises questions
Police confirmed an alleged vandalism citation but not the underlying conduct. ICE watchers say it involved sidewalk chalk, calling the arrest an overreach intended to discourage community members from monitoring ICE activity.
A community ICE watcher known as "Julz" was arrested by the Santa Ana Police Department Friday morning across from the Federal Building on Santa Ana Boulevard. She was later cited and released.
Several ICE watchers told The Santanero the arrest stemmed from allegations that Julz used sidewalk chalk outside the Federal Building. Santa Ana Police have not confirmed that allegation. Police have confirmed only that Julz was cited for an alleged violation of California Penal Code 594, California's vandalism statute.
Under California law, alleged vandalism involving less than $400 in damage is generally charged as a misdemeanor. As of publication, police have not identified the specific conduct or alleged amount of damage underlying the citation.
Local ICE watchers say they believe the arrest was intended to intimidate volunteers who monitor federal immigration enforcement and inform residents about ICE activity. They argue that, if the allegation ultimately centers on the use of washable sidewalk chalk, the enforcement action could discourage community members from continuing that work.
Some also contend that the arrest risks further eroding public trust in local law enforcement at a time when allegations of cooperation between local police agencies and ICE have surfaced in communities across the country, including Santa Ana.
Santa Ana Police have repeatedly stated that the department does not participate in civil immigration enforcement and works with federal agencies only in limited mutual aid situations, such as coordinated responses to protests or other public safety incidents.
Immediately after learning of the arrest, we requested a statement from Santa Ana Police Department Public Information Officer Natalie Garcia, giving the department 30 minutes to respond in light of what has been more than a year of unanswered requests for comment. After receiving no response within that timeframe, we expanded our outreach to all seven members of the Santa Ana City Council, the City Manager's Office, and Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez.
Full Statement from Councilmember Lopez
"I became aware of this incident shortly after it was reported to my office and immediately spoke with the City Manager to seek additional information.
Based on the information that has been shared with me, I am pleased that the community member has been released. While she was reportedly cited for an alleged violation, the most important thing is that she is no longer in custody.
I also want to express my gratitude to the community members who have volunteered their time to monitor and document ICE activity in Santa Ana. Their efforts help keep our neighbors informed and connected to legal resources during moments of fear and uncertainty. At a time when many immigrant families are looking for reassurance and support, volunteers have stepped up to provide information and care in ways that many in our community feel they are not otherwise receiving from government agencies.
It is also concerning to hear that members of the press have been unable to obtain timely information from the Police Department’s Public Information Office. Transparency and accountability are fundamental to maintaining public trust, especially during incidents that raise significant public concern. The community deserves clear, timely, and factual communication from its public institutions.
I will continue monitoring this situation and expect the department to provide a full and transparent account of the events that occurred."
Statement provided 07/24/26 11:41 AM
Councilmember Jessie Lopez was the first city official to respond.
In her statement, Lopez confirmed that Julz had been cited for an "alleged violation" but did not identify the offense. She also confirmed that Julz was no longer in custody.
Shortly after our initial publication, SAPD Public Information Officer Natalie Garcia provided the following statement:
"Shortly before 7 a.m. this morning, our officers responded to a call for service regarding vandalism at the Federal Building, located at 34 Civic Center Plaza. The reporting party, a Federal Security Officer, provided officers with a description of the suspect, who was subsequently located and contacted nearby. Officers arrested the female suspect and transported her to the Santa Ana Jail, where she was cited and released for CA Penal Code 594." [Provided 07/24/26 12:39 PM]
Garcia's statement is the first official confirmation from Santa Ana Police that Julz was cited for an alleged violation of Penal Code 594. According to police, the arrest followed a report from a Federal Security Officer, who provided officers with a description of the alleged suspect.
The department did not answer our additional questions regarding whether any surveillance technology, including automated license plate readers or other camera systems, were utilized.
Councilmember Benjamin Vazquez provided The Santanero this statement:
"I stand with Julz and every community member who peacefully monitors ICE activity. Supporting our immigrant neighbors and documenting government actions are protected rights that strengthen our community. I am calling for a full, transparent investigation into this arrest and for the Santa Ana Police Department to immediately release all available information. The public deserves timely answers and accountability. I also stand with Julz’s call for more people to become ICE watchers. We should protect—not discourage—the right of residents to peacefully observe, document, and defend the civil rights of our community." [Provided 07/24/26 1:46 PM]
This is a developing story. We will continue seeking responses to our outstanding questions and will update this article as additional information becomes available. Last updated 07/24/26 2:09 PM.
