The SAPD’s Quality of Life Team (QOLT), Directed Patrol, and patrol personnel conducted a sweep across key corridors in Santa Ana to improve public safety and connect individuals with services.
A total of 75 arrests were made, including 66 misdemeanors and 9 felonies.
Most of the suspects seen in the video released by the SAPD appeared to be Hispanic. Perhaps they might have saved some money and just let ICE do their job? It is likely the SAPD paid a lot of overtime to officers involved in this sweep of transients.
As a Sanctuary City one must wonder if Santa Ana has exacerbated this problem?
Santa Ana, CA – Crime Profile
- Sanctuary Status: Yes (under California Values Act SB 54)
- Overall Crime Rate: ~20.04 per 1,000 residents
- Violent Crime Rate: ~3.27 per 1,000 residents
- Property Crime Rate: ~13.58 per 1,000 residents
- Motor Vehicle Theft: Among the highest in the nation
- Chance of Being a Victim: 1 in 39 overall; 1 in 181 for violent crime
- Cost of Crime per Resident: $305/year (lower than CA average of $491)
- Crime Index: 267.3 (higher than 86.9% of U.S. cities)
Comparison with Other CA Sanctuary Cities
| City | Violent Crime Rate (/1,000) | Property Crime Rate (/1,000) | Notable Issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland | ~16.85 | ~60.23 | Gang violence, theft |
| San Francisco | ~6.5 | ~45.0 | Retail theft, homelessness |
| Los Angeles | ~7.0 | ~25.0 | Gang activity, drug-related crime |
| San Bernardino | ~14.91 | ~30.64 | High poverty, police understaffing |
| Stockton | ~13.96 | ~35.0 | Gang-related homicides |
| Santa Ana | ~3.27 | ~13.58 | Vehicle theft, property crime |
Top 5 Highest Crime Cities in Orange County
- Santa Ana
- Crime Cost per Resident: $1,076
- Violent Crime Rank: 49th safest in CA
- Property Crime Rank: 29th safest in CA
- Notes: Highest overall crime cost in Orange County!
- Anaheim
- Crime Rate: Higher than CA average
- Issues: Gang activity, theft, and transient-related incidents
- Garden Grove
- Crime Rate: Above state average
- Notes: Property crime and drug-related offenses are common
- Fullerton
- Crime Rate: Slightly above average
- Notes: College town with higher theft and vandalism rates
- Costa Mesa
- Crime Rate: Elevated property crime
- Notes: Retail theft and vehicle break-ins are frequent
Based on the recent sweep by Santa Ana PD that resulted in 75 arrests (66 misdemeanors and 9 felonies), here’s a summary of the penalties these individuals may face under California law:
Misdemeanor Charges (66 arrests)
Common misdemeanor offenses include:
- Public intoxication (PC 647(f))
- Driving under the influence (DUI – VC 23152(a)/(b))
- Resisting arrest or obstructing officers (PC 148)
Typical penalties for misdemeanors:
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Fines up to $1,000–$2,000
- Probation, community service, or mandatory classes (e.g., DUI education)
- Possible license suspension (for DUI-related offenses)
Felony Charges (9 arrests)
Felony offenses reported include:
- Assault with a deadly weapon (PC 245(a)(1))
- Credit card fraud and burglary (PC 459, PC 484e–g)
- Possession of stolen property for resale (PC 496.5)
Typical penalties for felonies:
- 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail (depending on severity and prior record)
- Fines up to $10,000
- Formal probation or parole
- Possible strike under California’s Three Strikes Law (for violent felonies)
Special Cases
- Assaulting a police officer during an arrest is a misdemeanor, but if physical contact occurs, it may be charged as battery on a peace officer, which can be a felony. Penalties range from 1 year in jail to multiple years, depending on injury and intent.
As a Sanctuary City one must wonder if Santa Ana has exacerbated this problem?
As a Native Santa Ana resident, in excess of 85 years, I don’t have to wonder whether Santa Ana has exacerbated their problem….They knowingly have! In my opinion we have an inept City Council, who
continues the cities Downfall…Very Sad Indeed.