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SANTA PAULA — In recent days, the City has heard from residents asking why Santa Paula did not join the federal lawsuit Vasquez Perdomo v. Noem, and whether the City still plans to take action. This lawsuit, led by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office with support from co-counsel Munger, Tolles, and Olson and the Democracy Defenders Fund, challenges the federal government’s immigration enforcement activities. Several California cities, including Oxnard, have joined the case, which has drawn significant attention locally, at the state level, and nationwide.
To clarify, the City of Santa Paula was not invited to participate in the lawsuit. The most recent group of cities to join was added on August 8, 2025, and Santa Paula was not among them. The City is not privy to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s litigation strategy or procedural decisions.
We recognize that this is an important issue for many in our community, and Council has received messages from residents urging the City to join the lawsuit or take other related action. While the City is not a party to this case, Council continues to evaluate issues and opportunities related to protecting the rights and well-being of all Santa Paula residents.