Reported 45-Day ICE Operation in California: What Families Should Know

Update: October 26, 2026

Operation name and duration: We have not located a public DHS or ICE announcement confirming the name Operation Safe California or a 45-day timetable. KQED reported on October 16 that DHS declined to discuss law-enforcement operations, citing operational security and officer safety. The operation name and expected duration remain attributed reports, not an independently confirmed statewide schedule.

Nationwide announcement: A September 27 DHS public statement, reproduced by OPB, said ICE had begun a nationwide public-safety surge in sanctuary cities. That broader announcement did not name Operation Safe California or establish a California-only 45-day schedule.

Central Valley and Central Coast: On October 14, the California Immigrant Policy Center said its partners were reporting increased arrests in the Central Valley, Central Coast and San Diego. Allan Hancock College stated that ICE officers detained a student's parent in Parking Lot 2 on its Santa Maria campus on October 5. The Sacramento Bee reported on October 7 that DHS disputed the campus location and the college stood by its statement; the accounts should not be treated as an undisputed description of where the arrest occurred.

San Diego and the data limits: Voice of San Diego reported signs of increased enforcement on October 19 and said ICE did not respond to its request for comment. Citing the Deportation Data Project, it reported more than 4,000 California ICE arrests in July, nearly half in the San Diego area, with nearly 2,000 made by the San Diego Field Office. Recent-week arrest data were not available for that report. July figures do not measure October arrests or confirm the reported operation's start date, duration or scope.

Long Beach: An ICE statement published by FOX 11 described the October 17 encounter as a targeted enforcement operation and alleged that people tried to impede officers and damage government vehicles. CNN reported on October 19 that a former Long Beach city employee was injured in the encounter and that local officials described him as a U.S. citizen. CNN said it was still working to verify his citizenship. These are attributed accounts; the circumstances and competing allegations should not be presented as resolved findings.

November 3 election: For eligible voters, the California Secretary of State's official voter guide and general-election page explain vote-by-mail, official ballot drop-off and early in-person voting options. Use those official resources and your county elections office for current locations, deadlines and ballot-return instructions.

Sources: KQED: DHS response on the reported California operation, October 16; OPB: September 27 DHS statement reproduced in its October 7–8 report; California Immigrant Policy Center, October 14; Allan Hancock College: October 5 statement; Sacramento Bee reporting republished by AOL, October 7: disputed campus location; Voice of San Diego, October 19: reporting and July arrest data; FOX 11, October 19: ICE statement about Long Beach; CNN reporting republished by KSL, October 19: Long Beach injury; California Secretary of State: official voter information guide; California Secretary of State: November 3 election guidance

What the reports actually say

On October 7, the Washington Examiner reported that the operation had begun in and around San Diego and could continue for at least 45 days. Its account, based on sources familiar with the plan, said enforcement could include undocumented people without criminal histories.

NBC 7 San Diego covered the report on October 8 and described local observations of increased enforcement. NBC said ICE and DHS had not responded to its requests for comment. Fresnoland separately reported that DHS would neither confirm nor deny the California operation.

These reports deserve attention, but they do not establish a verified statewide schedule, exact end date or list of future enforcement locations. Avoid sharing unverified raid alerts as fact.

Sources: Washington Examiner, October 7; NBC 7 San Diego, October 8; Fresnoland, October 8–10

A practical family plan

California's October 9 guidance recommends preparing before an emergency. Choose a trusted contact, arrange care for dependents, and keep important records and phone numbers accessible to that person. Share your A-number with your trusted contact if you have one; keep it out of public posts.

Gather your immigration notices and upcoming appointment dates for an attorney consultation. Ask the office how to submit records securely. A news report does not cancel a hearing, check-in or filing deadline.

Sources: California Governor: family preparedness and rights, October 9

If immigration agents approach you

California's guidance says you may remain silent and request a lawyer. Do not lie, present false documents or physically resist. Ask to review any document with counsel before signing.

At home, you generally do not have to open the door. Ask to see the warrant: a judge-signed judicial warrant is different from an immigration administrative warrant. Do not open the door merely because someone says they have a warrant. The circumstances matter; request legal help.

Sources: California's October 9 know-your-rights guidance

If a loved one is detained

Contact an immigration attorney promptly. Be ready to provide the person's full name, A-number if known, detention location, custody timeline and available government notices through a secure channel.

Counsel can assess removal defense, custody issues and whether a bond request or federal detention challenge may be available. Eligibility depends on the individual facts and governing law. A consultation or filing does not guarantee release.

The California Attorney General explains that people in immigration proceedings may seek an attorney. Do not assume immigration court provides a free government-appointed lawyer. Free or low-cost nonprofit assistance may also be available through the state's resource list.

Sources: California Attorney General: immigrant community resources

Get advice based on your own record

An enforcement headline cannot tell you your personal risk or which options you qualify for. Prior orders, entries and departures, pending applications and criminal history can all require careful review.

Law Offices of Pejman Behkar, APC offers immigration consultations for families concerned about ICE contact, detention and removal proceedings. Call 424-421-5552 or request a consultation at askpjlaw.com. Ask about same-day availability and secure document submission.