The Orange County Fair is set to return this summer, bringing thousands of fairgoers to indulge deep-fried foods, enjoy the carnival rides, and see the baby piggies race, which is expected from one of the region’s biggest seasonal events.
But this year, it’s different.
With recent reports of aggressive ICE raids happening across Southern California, many locals—especially those from immigrant communities—have voiced concerns about whether the OC Fair is a safe space: Can ICE enter the fairgrounds? Can they detain people inside? Are undocumented residents at risk?
The answer, according to OC Fair & Event Center officials, is clear: No, ICE does not have unrestricted access.
In a statement, OC Fair spokesperson Terry Moore cited California State Law SB 54, also known as the California Values Act, which explicitly prohibits state agencies and properties from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. That includes the fairgrounds.
“OC Fair & Event Center complies with California State law SB 54, which prohibits state properties, such as our fairgrounds, from assisting federal Immigration & Customs Enforcement and law enforcement personnel including federal, local or special district agencies in regard to immigration enforcement activities,” said Moore.
“Other than those agencies authorized to serve OC Fair & Event Center in an official capacity, law enforcement personnel are not given special access or assistance beyond what is available to any member of the public and are restricted from entering non-public areas without a judicial warrant. The safety and inclusion of all fairgoers remains a top priority.”
Moore did not give a wide breakdown of where ICE may and may not operate at the OC Fair but generally, areas that are public include:
- The main administration office lobby (if open to the public during normal hours)
- Public sidewalks and streets surrounding the fairgrounds including Fairview, Arlington, Fair Drive, and Newport Blvd
Restricted areas where ICE cannot go without a signed judicial warrant:
- Any part of the fair requiring a paid ticket or entry (like parking at the fairgrounds) or wristband (like at a concert or fair event)
- Employee-only zones and staff trailers
- Will Call and credential-only checkpoints
- The actual fair where folks eat, play, shop, and dance, see the piggies race, etc.
This means that if ICE agents attempt to access any secure zone—say, walk among fairgoers, backstage at the Pacific Amphitheatre, the pig races trailer, or employee rest areas—they must present a valid judicial warrant.
The OC Fair & Event Center partners with the Orange County Sheriffs Department and also hires dozens of fairgrounds security personnel every year. They (along with parking attendants) are responsible for gate monitoring, general crowd safety, alcohol compliance, and incident response.
According to officials, neither the security team nor thr Sheriffs roles extend to immigration enforcement.
As for the fair employees, the OC Fair & Event Center says part of their training involves them contacting a supervisor if any official seeks entry.
“As part of employee training, all staff members are directed to call their supervisors if an outside agency requests access,” said Moore. “Also, all employees of OC Fair & Event Center must pass background checks and a Megan’s Law review. Outside vendors and partners require documentation for payroll purposes.”
The OC Fair is an annual large-scale seasonal operation, with planning for next year’s fair beginning almost immediately after the current one ends. For many families in Orange County, the fair is more than entertainment— it represents a recurring source of summer employment and economic opportunity, particularly for young people entering the workforce.
Officials wanted to make it clear that the OC Fair is an event for everyone to enjoy and is executed in a safe and fun-for-all manner.
Opening day is Friday, June 18th and runs until Sunday, August 17th.
