City of Antioch to hold forum to inform illegal immigrants of their rights, responsibilities
“Participants will be informed…that individuals have different rights and obligations depending on their circumstances. The forum will emphasize the importance of complying with the law…” – City Manager Scott
By Allen D. Payton
The City of Antioch in coordination with several non-profit community organizations, will hold an immigrants’ rights forum for those in the country illegally on Feb. 4, 2026. It was announced by District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker on Jan. 24th in a post on her official Facebook page and at the Council meeting on Tuesday, January 27th. The event is co-hosted by Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, Immigrant Action Network and Hijas Del Campo.
According to City of Antioch Department of Public Safety & Community Resources Director Monserrat Cabral, “this is a City-supported informational event coordinated through the Public Safety & Community Resources Department.
“Outreach was intentionally targeted through specific community groups, schools and partners to ensure the information was shared accurately and in a way that respected the needs of the community the event is designed to serve. The event will also be formally announced during the City Council meeting, which allows for an official and transparent public announcement.
“For your reference, the event is:
- An informational session focused on immigration-related resources and updates
- Free and open to the public
- Offered in English and Spanish
- Hosted by the City in partnership with community-based organizations”
Questions for City Staff
The following questions were sent to Director Cabral and City Manager Bessie Scott:
- Is this being done under Council direction?
- How is the event being funded and what are the associated costs? Was it from a grant? Did the Council approve the expenditure? Or are the organizations paying for it?
- If it’s partially or wholly funded by the City, why is the City using our tax dollars to assist those in the U.S. illegally? Shouldn’t that be left up to the non-profit organizations using private funds?
- Will those in attendance be informed they don’t have a right to be in our country without permission?
- Will the event not just discuss their rights but also their responsibilities as immigrants, legal or illegal, such as following the law and complying with law enforcement?
- Will the forum encourage those here illegally to self-deport to give them a future option to return through a legal port of entry to our country and have the opportunity to become a citizen?
- Will they also be informed that if they’re deported, they will never have that option?
City Manager Responds
City Manager Bessie Scott responded, “This is a City-supported, informational event coordinated through the Public Safety & Community Resources Department as part of our ongoing community education and outreach efforts. It is not a policy action item and does not require separate Council approval beyond existing departmental authority to conduct community informational programming. The event was publicly announced during the City Council meeting to ensure transparency.
“The event is low-cost and focused on information-sharing. Any City-related costs are covered within existing, Council-approved departmental budgets. Community-based partners are contributing subject-matter expertise and participation. No new or special appropriations are associated with this event. Any City-associated costs are consistent with standard community outreach and public education activities.
“The Immigration Informational Night is designed to provide general, high-level information about available resources, recent changes and community services, delivered by qualified organizations. It is not an enforcement forum, a legal proceeding or an advocacy campaign.
“The City does not determine immigration status, provide legal determinations, or direct federal immigration outcomes. Accordingly, the event is not intended to instruct attendees on enforcement actions, deportation decisions, or federal legal consequences, which fall under federal jurisdiction.
“The City’s role is limited to facilitating access to accurate information and ensuring residents know where to seek appropriate, lawful resources. This approach aligns with longstanding City practice of hosting informational sessions on a wide range of topics that impact residents’ health, safety and well-being.
“Regarding outreach, initial distribution was intentionally targeted through community partners, schools, and trusted networks to ensure accurate information reached intended audiences. The event is open to the public, offered in both English and Spanish, and the finalized flyers are attached for reference.
“Participants will be informed that U.S. immigration law is complex and that individuals have different rights and obligations depending on their circumstances. The forum will emphasize the importance of complying with the law and encourage attendees to seek guidance from qualified legal professionals regarding their individual situations.
“The event does not promote unlawful behavior, nor does it encourage self-deportation or make representations about future immigration outcomes, as those determinations depend on federal law and individual case facts.
“Our goal is to ensure community members have access to accurate information so they can make informed decisions and better understand their responsibilities and options under the law.”
Event Details
The event will be held from 6:00-7:30 PM at Antioch High School in Conference Room B, 700 W. 18th Street. Dinner is provided and translation available. It is not a program of the Antioch Unified School District and AUSD accepts no liability or responsibility for this program. See flier for an additional disclaimer.
the attachments to this post:
Your Rights, Your Power – Immigration Informational
Tus Derechos, Tu Poder – Noche Informativa Sobr
