Santa Ana — More than 50 supporters gathered outside the federal courthouse July 8 to show solidarity with local immigrant-rights organizer Nadia Topete as she appeared before a federal grand jury.
The demonstration at the federal building drew activists from Centro CSO and allied groups after Topete received a grand jury subpoena delivered to her home earlier in July. Federal agents served a second subpoena July 1 and warned that failure to comply could lead to contempt proceedings, according to organizers.
What happened at the courthouse
Topete left the courthouse saying she had invoked her rights and was met by a crowd chanting slogans in her support. Organizers and family members framed the subpoena and the grand jury appearance as political pressure on immigrant-rights advocacy, and they vowed to continue public and legal support.
“Protesting ICE is not a crime!”
That declaration came from Verita Topete, Nadia’s sister and fellow organizer. Other family members and organizers described the moment as both emotional and affirming for the family and for local advocacy networks.
Who took part
Speakers and participants included members of Centro CSO, CSO OC, CLUE, ILPS, the Committee to Stop FBI Repression, Freedom Road Socialist Organization and Legaliz (organizers listed by participants). Committee members and Centro CSO representatives addressed the crowd, calling the federal action an instance of political repression and pledging continued support for Topete.
- Attendance: more than 50 people, according to organizers
- Main organizer: Centro CSO
- Key message: solidarity with Topete and opposition to grand jury action
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | July 8 (appearance); subpoena served July 1 |
| Location | Federal courthouse, Santa Ana |
| Organizers/speakers | Centro CSO, Committee to Stop FBI Repression, CSO OC, CLUE, ILPS, Freedom Road Socialist Organization |
Local implications
For Santa Ana residents, the episode underscores ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and community-based immigrant-rights organizing. Organizers say the grand jury subpoena interrupts local advocacy work and chills political speech. They argue that public demonstrations and legal defenses are necessary to protect organizers and maintain community services.
Legal experts not involved in the demonstration have noted that grand juries are a federal investigative tool and can issue subpoenas for testimony and records; targets can invoke constitutional protections, including the Fifth Amendment, as Topete did, to refuse self-incrimination. Authorities have not released additional public details about the scope of the grand jury inquiry.
Organizers in Santa Ana say they will continue public demonstrations and legal outreach. They also report receiving national calls to action and support from allied groups outside the immediate area.
News Block will continue to monitor any further developments, including additional court appearances and official statements from federal authorities or legal representatives for Topete.
