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In a controversial social media exchange that has sparked community backlash, First Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli appears to have encouraged the public to disrupt immigration rapid response networks, leading to reported harassment of community organizations.
The incident began when U.S. Representative Jimmy Gomez posted an alert on X (formerly Twitter) informing Los Angeles residents about Border Patrol presence in the city’s Fashion District. Essayli responded by quoting the post with what many interpret as an invitation to obstruct community resources.
“A friendly reminder that the public has a First Amendment right to call the number below and provide inaccurate information,” Essayli wrote, followed by an image displaying contact information for various immigrant rapid response networks across California.
The listed organizations included hotlines for Kern County, Central Valley, Orange County, Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, San Bernardino/Riverside, as well as organizations such as CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Los Angeles), Immigrant Defenders, and regional Immigrant Rapid Response Hotlines serving Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties.
At least one of the targeted organizations has reported experiencing increased harassment following Essayli’s post. The OC Rapid Response Network (OCRRN) told L.A. TACO that they’ve received “profane and harassing” calls aimed at disrupting their services.
“Bill Assayli’s attempts to target our hotline is a desperate effort to undermine trusted community organizations that provide holistic support to families before and after DHS enforcement actions,” the OCRRN said in a statement.
The organization emphasized that the harassment reflects “an intent to intimidate and disrupt—not to engage in good faith,” adding that these callers “seek to interfere with systems that exist to keep families safe and informed.”
Rapid response networks have become vital resources in immigrant communities across California in recent years. They typically operate 24/7 hotlines where residents can report immigration enforcement activities and receive legal information, connecting families with resources during immigration enforcement operations. These networks emerged as community-based solutions to address fear and misinformation during immigration raids and enforcement actions.
Despite the disruption, OCRRN maintains that their work will continue unimpeded. “While these calls are disruptive, they do not deter our work. Our hotline exists to receive urgent reports of ICE activity and to support loved ones—both undocumented people and U.S. citizens—who are navigating detention systems for the first time,” their statement continued.
The incident raises serious questions about Essayli’s conduct as a federal prosecutor. As First Assistant US Attorney, Essayli holds a position of significant authority within the Department of Justice, which is tasked with upholding federal laws—including those protecting against interference with government operations.
Essayli’s professional background includes a controversial stint as Interim United States Attorney for the Central District of California from April to July 2025. His tenure in that role ended when a federal judge ruled that he had illegally occupied the position by remaining beyond the interim period without receiving required congressional approval. Following this ruling, he was reassigned to his current role as First Assistant United States Attorney.
Immigration advocates point out that disrupting rapid response networks could potentially interfere with communities’ ability to access legal resources and accurate information during immigration enforcement activities.
“The hotline has been a powerful tool for building trust and disseminating accurate information,” OCRRN stated, adding that their work “is rooted in the humanity and dignity of those most impacted by ICE detention and the criminal justice system.”
The organization concluded its statement with a message of defiance: “We are not scared!”
Neither the Department of Justice nor Essayli has issued any statements addressing the controversy at this time.
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10 Comments
This is a complex and sensitive issue that touches on important principles of free speech and the protection of vulnerable communities. While everyone has a right to express their views, the reported attempt to disrupt immigrant support networks through the spread of misinformation raises significant ethical concerns that warrant a thorough investigation.
The reported attempt to encourage the public to spread misinformation and disrupt immigrant rapid response networks is deeply concerning. These organizations play a vital role in supporting vulnerable individuals and communities. Undermining their work through false information is unacceptable and merits a thorough investigation.
This is a troubling development. While freedom of speech is important, deliberately spreading misinformation to interfere with community organizations seems like an abuse of that right. I hope the authorities look into this matter thoroughly to understand the full implications and take appropriate action.
I agree. Immigrant support networks provide vital services, and undermining their work through false information could have serious consequences for the people they assist. This warrants a thorough investigation to uphold the integrity of these crucial community resources.
This is a troubling situation. While freedom of speech is important, deliberately spreading misinformation to disrupt immigrant support networks raises ethical concerns. I hope the authorities investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate action if warranted.
This is a concerning situation that raises questions about the appropriate balance between free speech and the protection of vulnerable communities. While everyone has a right to express their views, deliberately providing misinformation to disrupt immigrant support networks is highly problematic and deserves scrutiny.
As a concerned citizen, I’m troubled by the apparent attempt to disrupt the work of immigrant support groups. These hotlines and networks play a crucial role in protecting the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals. Deliberately providing false information to undermine their efforts is deeply concerning.
As a concerned citizen, I’m troubled by the apparent efforts to undermine the work of immigrant support organizations through the spread of misinformation. These rapid response networks provide essential services to protect the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals. Deliberately interfering with their operations is a serious matter that deserves close examination.
Encouraging the public to call hotlines and provide inaccurate information seems like a reckless and potentially harmful act. These rapid response networks provide vital support to vulnerable communities. Undermining their work could have serious consequences.
I agree. Spreading misinformation is never justified, especially when it targets organizations trying to help people. This sets a dangerous precedent that could erode trust in important community resources.