***UPDATE: 1/30/2026 5:09 pm PST - SHE WAS RELEASED!****

Support Maria After Unlawful Detention & Vehicle Damage by ICE

On January 30 2026, Maria Santay, a U.S. citizen and El Monte resident, was taken into custody after an alarming and traumatic encounter with ICE agents while she was lawfully patrolling her community.

Maria was peacefully observing and alerting local vendors and community members to immigration enforcement activity—an act that is legal and protected. While doing so, ICE agents allegedly followed her vehicle, boxed her in with patrol cars, drew their weapons, and broke her car window before arresting her. Witnesses report that El Monte Police Department was present and failed to intervene.

Maria was not committing a crime. She was exercising her rights and standing up for her community.

This incident has left Maria facing:

Extensive damage to her vehicle

Legal fees

Emotional distress and lost income

Ongoing uncertainty as she seeks accountability and justice

We are raising funds to support Maria with vehicle repairs, loss of income due to being unable to return to work, therapy, and legal expenses. Any extra funds will be use to help her community and any immigrant families/vendors struggling to make ends meet .

No one should be targeted, threatened, or detained for protecting their community—especially not a U.S. citizen exercising their rights.

Any contribution, share, or message of support helps. Thank you for standing with Maria and for standing up for our community.

This GoFundMe page is being made by Maria-Alejandra and Miholany Ochoa, colleagues and co-patrollers of Maria Santay, all funds will go directly to Maria Santay.