To read the Mayor’s letter in Spanish, click here.
Dear Santa Monicans,
In recent weeks, many in our community have felt unsettled by dramatic shifts in federal policies. We want to assure you: we hear you, we care about you, and we stand united against all forms of intolerance — whether racial, religious, gender-based, or related to citizenship status. Santa Monica is a city that values diversity, inclusion, and equity, and we are committed to upholding these principles.
One of our top priorities as a City Council is advancing racial equity, justice, and social diversity to improve the well-being of all who live, work, learn, and do business here. We believe that differences in life outcomes should never be determined by race, class, gender, disability, or immigration status. Our policies and initiatives reflect this commitment, fostering hope, understanding, and connection in our community.
We recognize the deep uncertainty many feel, particularly our LGBTQIA+ and immigrant communities. In 2016, the City Council adopted a resolution reaffirming our commitment to protecting all residents, regardless of immigration status. We reaffirmed this in December 2024 and remain steadfast in our position.
Santa Monica does not and will not assist federal immigration authorities in enforcing immigration laws. We do not use City resources to investigate, apprehend, detain, or register individuals whose sole offense is being here without legal status. Our Police Department follows CA state law; the California Values Act of 2017 guides our police department. We will only cooperate with federal immigration enforcement when an individual has been arrested for criminal activity.
We are actively working with partners — including the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, civil rights organizations, legal aid attorneys, and immigration advocates—to support our most vulnerable residents. We will continue to listen, collaborate, and respond thoughtfully to ensure all Santa Monicans feel safe, respected, and welcome.
As your Mayor and on behalf of the City Council, I want to reaffirm our unwavering commitment: Santa Monica is a city for everyone. No one should live in fear or hesitate to engage with their local government. Together, we will continue to build a community rooted in safety, inclusion, and dignity for all.
Sincerely,
Lana Negrete
Mayor
