Santa Ana police arrest two advocates following immigration agents

Santa Ana police arrested two immigrant advocates Wednesday after off-duty federal agents sought help while the women were following their vehicle, according to Voice of OC. Police alleged the women obstructed the agents and drove erratically, while an organizer speaking for them said they were observing without interfering.

The arrests renewed scrutiny of local police dealings with federal immigration agents in Orange County’s only sanctuary city. City council members called for the women’s release or criticized the arrests, while police maintained that they follow state restrictions on assisting immigration enforcement.

Police identified the women as Madison Crabill, 25, and Adilene Tonoco, 33, both Santa Ana residents. Voice of OC reported that they were arrested on allegations of resisting a peace officer, stalking and criminal conspiracy after the federal agents expressed concern for their safety.

Santa Ana Police spokeswoman Natalie Garcia told Voice of OC that the agents reported being followed after leaving a federal building, then having their vehicle blocked in an alley. Police said the women continued following them toward police headquarters, driving erratically and running two red lights. The off-duty agents recognized the women from federal operations in La Habra earlier that day, police said.

Melissa Rios, a grassroots organizer with LUCHA Costa Mesa speaking on the women’s behalf, disputed that account. She said they kept an appropriate distance from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement vehicle and did not obstruct it. Rios said she witnessed the end of the arrest and the towing of Tonoco’s car; police said officers detained the women outside the station.

Council members Jessie Lopez and Johnathan Hernandez called for the women’s release, according to Voice of OC. Councilman Ben Vazquez also criticized the arrests. LUCHA Costa Mesa and other organizations announced a news conference outside police headquarters for 3 p.m. Thursday to demand their release.

Police officials maintained that they comply with state law prohibiting assistance with federal immigration enforcement. Earlier in 2026, officials barred local officers from taking outside work with ICE and other federal immigration enforcement agencies, Voice of OC reported. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson referred questions about the arrests to local police.

The dispute comes as immigrant advocates warn of a 45-day enforcement surge across Southern California, according to Voice of OC. Their account of the women’s conduct remains at odds with the allegations police relayed from federal agents.