Wednesday, April 23, 2025

The Constant Immigration Threats from the Current Administration Are Harming OC Students—Why Aren’t Our Local Leaders Acting?

A joint Statement from GGUSD Board Member Walter Muñecon and VietRISE:

As the son of working-class immigrant parents and a lifelong advocate for youth and families in Garden Grove, I feel a deep responsibility to speak out about what I’m seeing in our schools. A sentiment shared by VietRISE—an organization rooted in Little Saigon that continues to show up where it matters most.

Right now, migrant households across Orange County are being torn apart. I’ve seen the fear take hold in our classrooms – among Latino, Vietnamese, and other students from immigrant families whose parents and loved ones have been detained, deported, or are at constant risk. 

These are not distant stories. They are happening here, in our own communities—especially in Little Saigon, where VietRISE is bridging the struggles of Vietnamese and other immigrant communities by showing how similar issues impact us.

Family separation for example, in any form, harms students. We’ve witnessed firsthand how it affects their ability to focus in school, feel safe, or imagine a future for themselves. This is not just an immigration issue – it’s an education issue, a public health issue, and a moral issue.

Our students cannot learn when their families and loved ones are under threat. They cannot thrive while living in fear of losing the people they love most.

We’re often told that immigration is a federal issue and that local leaders have no power to act. But that simply isn’t true. Here in Orange County, we’ve demanded our local officials end all collaboration with ICE—a move fully within their power, yet they cling to excuses. These same leaders could redirect public funds to provide legal defense for families fighting deportation. They can invest in community programs aimed at keeping families together. The resources exist; the political will does not.

This is an extremely urgent moment. We call on my fellow elected officials – school board members, city council members, and county and state representatives – to take bold and immediate action to protect all immigrants across the board.

Our families deserve to stay together. Our students deserve to grow up without fear. And our communities deserve leadership rooted in courage, compassion, and justice.

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