Seaside explores policy options to protect undocumented immigrants

“I would be in school and as soon as I saw them come in, I just pack my bags because I knew we were going to be picked up and thrown over the boarder,” said Seaside resident Delia Garcia.

Now in her 70s and a U.S. citizen, Garcia can still recall the terror she felt as an undocumented child. She said it hurts her to see kids feeling this way today.

“There’s so much fear in families right now, and it is not fair,” Garcia said.

On Thursday, Garcia stood before the Seaside City Council and ask them to give these kids a chance like the one she had.

“I see these little children. They could be doctors, they could be lawyers, maybe the president of the United States — who knows,” Garcia said.

Many came to tell officials that you don’t need documents to pursue a better life.

“We are just human people, and for some, there were some privileges, others don’t but that doesn’t make us any more human,” Marina resident Linda Santos said.

But others said they draw the line at the law. One resident said the city should not encourage people who have broken the law.

Garcia said she understands that there is the law, “but you got to have a heart, too,” she said.

It was only a study session, but hundreds of people packed Seaside City Council chamber, the lobby and balcony to support the city in moving forward to declare sanctuary status.

The council will vote on a resolution in the coming month.