Two Santa Cruz County supervisors and several local community organizations have joined a regional coalition of elected officials and advocates reaffirming support for immigrant communities as the Bay Area prepares to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The joint statement, released Monday, was signed by supervisors Felipe Hernandez and Monica Martinez, along with representatives from Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, The Watsonville Law Center and YARR (Your Allied Rapid Response) of Santa Cruz County. MariaElena De La Garza of Community Action Board and Adriana Melgoza of The Watsonville Law Center were among the local signatories.
The statement said the region’s diversity is one of its strengths and acknowledged concerns among immigrant families amid ongoing immigration enforcement actions.
“As we welcome the world to the Bay Area for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we want to send a clear message: everyone belongs here,” the statement reads.
The coalition said the international soccer tournament presents an opportunity to bring people together and urged residents to avoid spreading fear or misinformation. The statement encouraged community members to use local Rapid Response Networks for verified information and resources.
The statement was signed by supervisors and community leaders from counties throughout the Bay Area and Central Coast, including Santa Clara, Monterey, San Mateo, Alameda, Marin, Napa, Sonoma, Contra Costa and Solano counties.
