Long Beach Launches `Neighbors Supporting Neighbors’ Fund for Migrants

The city of Long Beach Friday introduced an emergency fund designed to support residents who have been directly impacted by recent immigration enforcement raids.

During a news conference Friday afternoon, Mayor Rex Richardson announced the city had set an initial quarter-million-dollar goal for the fund. The money is expected to go directly to front-line organizations who will help families meet their basic needs with rent, food, income replacement and legal support.

“It’s a concrete way for all of us to step up and help,” Richardson said.

Long Beach officials said the Neighbors Supporting Neighbors emergency fund received a $100,000 donation from the California Community Foundation. It also received another $50,000 in contributions over the last 24 hours since the city organized the announcement.

“This administration has done nothing but instill fear, and this is why I call on every city in this state to protect our immigrants who contribute to the country and to our most precious democracy,” City Councilwoman Mary Zendejas said.

Monea Dale, community investment engagement officer for California Community Foundation, emphasized that the emergency fund is a reminder to residents that they are not alone in this crisis.

Dale, a resident of Long Beach, said the foundation believes in collective action. She invited people to support the fund.

“When we come together as residents, nonprofits, business leaders and government we show the true strength of community,” Dale added.

Officials launched the fund in response to ongoing federal immigration enforcement operations that have occurred since the beginning of June

“No one should be forced to choose between safety and belonging in the city of Long Beach,” Richardson said.

According to the mayor, city leaders held an emergency closed session meeting, during which they voted to join a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration led by the American Civil Liberties Union.

The county of Los Angeles and several other cities have also taken similar action.

The fund is one of many initiatives the Long Beach community will take to support residents who are in need, Richardson said. According to the mayor, the city next week plans to introduce the “Defending Our Values” package and the 2026 budget.

He said those measures will include funding to support emergency cash assistance programs for immigrant families, legal defense through the Long Beach Justice Fund, food and housing security programs, and resources to keep families safe, stable and together.

“In this moment let us meet division with unity. Let’s meet fear with faith. Let’s meet cruelty with compassion,” Richardson said. “Let’s show the potential for good that makes Long Beach who we are together. We can rise to meet this moment.”