Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento Partners With ImmDef to Protect Immigrant Families From Federal Deportation Agenda

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 21, 2025

Press Contact: Renee Garcia, rgarcia@immdef.org, media@immdef.org, 213-634-2186

Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento Partners With ImmDef to Protect Immigrant Families From Federal Deportation Agenda

Santa Ana, CA.-- Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef) is honored to announce a $50,000 personal gift from Orange Country Board Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento and his wife, Eva Sarmiento, to support removal defense services for people detained by Federal Immigration Agents in Orange County. This contribution, given in his personal capacity, underscores Supervisor Sarmiento’s deep commitment to the immigrant community and advancing justice during a critical time.

The newly allocated funds will significantly strengthen ImmDef’s Rapid Response capacity, enabling the organization to provide immediate and essential legal assistance to residents of Orange County who face deportation. There are over 210,000 undocumented immigrants in Orange County as of 2025, making up a fifth of the total County population. In a region where the demand for immigration legal services far exceeds the resources available, this investment will allow ImmDef to expand its presence and ensure that detained individuals and their families receive timely, reliable support.

Beyond direct representation, the funds strengthen the Rapid Response team’s effort to combat the spread of misinformation, empowering families with accurate information and resources to navigate complex legal processes. By doing so, ImmDef aims to keep Orange County families united and resilient in the face of the federal government’s cruel and violent mass deportation agenda.

“I am happy to be able to assist families navigating the immigration system without access to legal representation. As an attorney, I understand that lack of legal counsel remains one of the greatest barriers for families facing deportation and separation. At a time when immigrant families face vicious abuse from unjust federal policies and an absence of due process, it is more important than ever that we stand together," said Orange Country Board Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento. "I am grateful for the dedication of community members and local nonprofits who continue to stand with those facing detention, deportation, and injustice. I hope my family’s contribution will inspire others to support our community in whatever way they can.”

“We are grateful to Supervisor Sarmiento for this meaningful donation. This support will become a lifeline for families who are facing separation and prolonged detention in Orange County,” said Melissa Shepard, director of legal services at Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef). “These funds allow us to follow through on our commitment to protect constitutional rights, safeguard community stability, and advance immigrant justice at a moment of urgent need.”

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The Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef) is a next-generation social justice law firm that defends immigrant communities against injustices in the immigration system. Our programs are a first step towards realizing the long-term goal of providing universal representation to all immigrants facing deportation. ImmDef is now the largest non‐profit, pro bono provider of deportation defense in California, with offices in Los Angeles, Riverside, Santa Ana, and San Diego.