On the frontlines: What Napa’s grassroots organizations are hearing from immigrant residents
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Earlier this year, the Napa Valley Together Initiative launched with a bold mission: to uphold immigrant rights and reduce the climate of fear fueled by misinformation amid the second Trump administration.
The coalition builds on more than a decade of collaboration under the One Napa Valley Initiative which has helped more than 2,500 people become U.S. citizens and provided over 12,000 free legal consultations for citizenship, DACA and other immigration services according to the organization’s website.
With California increasingly in the spotlight amid shifting federal enforcement priorities, local frontline organizations have shared with us what they are hearing and confronting on the ground.
Here is what we found out.
Community-based organizations report rising fear not only among undocumented immigrants, but also among legal permanent residents and U.S. citizens.
Rising hesitation, despite ongoing need
While the need for services remains high, call volume of community members seeking services is down compared to the beginning of the year, a trend that worries service providers. Families are increasingly hesitant to seek help, said Jenny Ocon, executive director of the UpValley Family Centers.
Requests, when they are made, range from legal assistance with citizenship, green cards and work permit renewals to crisis support for detained family members, as well as food, housing and mental health resources. Local schools and businesses are however reaching out for Know Your Rights training and preparedness workshops, reflecting widespread concern across the county.
“We’ve received more inquiries about ICE activity, family preparedness plans, and requests for immigration representation,” said Esmeralda Gil, interim executive director of Puertas Abiertas Community Resource Center. “We’ve even handled calls from loved ones trying to locate detained family members and figure out next steps.”
At the same time, Gil noted interest in citizenship applications is rising, as many community members see it as a pathway to greater security.
Fear fueled by misinformation
Across Napa County, misinformation continues to drive fear and uncertainty.
Rumors of ICE activity—often unverified—spread quickly through word of mouth and social media, creating panic, Ocon told the Napa Valley News Group.
Families are also confused about the federal “public charge” rule, mistakenly believing they are ineligible for essential programs like CalFresh and CalWORKs.
“Some people believe they don’t qualify for support due to their immigration status or income, even when they might be eligible,” said Alissa Abdo, executive director of the social equity nonprofit in the Bay Area, On the Move. “This kind of misinformation prevents families from accessing resources that could really help them.”
Others community members have expressed fear over what documents to carry, whether it’s safe to travel abroad, or how conflicting legal advice might impact their status.
Shifting strategies, broader reach
In response to the currents, local organizations have expanded outreach methods, relying more on social media than traditional print flyers, offering virtual workshops and doubling down on family preparedness planning. The emphasis now, leaders say, is as much on trust-building and accurate information as it is on direct services.
“Especially concerning is the growing fear we’re hearing not only from undocumented clients but also from lawful permanent residents and even naturalized U.S. citizens,” said Ellen Dumesnil, executive director of the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area.
Many, she added, are afraid to travel abroad worried they could face detention or denial of reentry. “This campaign of fear is alarming and harmful to all of us, regardless of legal status.”
Leaders largely say the challenge today is not just providing services, but combating the fear and misinformation threatening to keep families from accessing them.
