TODEC hosts emergency DACA information session after reports of long renewal wait times

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) - Local immigrant advocate group, TODEC, is hosting an emergency information session for DACA-recipients.

News Channel 3 has followed concerns from recipients about long renewal wait times impacting their status, including the story of William Villa, a Palm Springs man who was detained on May 15th after his status expired. Villa had began the renewal process in November 2025, with his status expiring in March according to his family.

DACA, or the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, grants protection to individuals brought the U.S. as children. ICE data shows the Riverside, San Bernardino and Ontario area have 20,000 residents in DACA.

Several outlets and recipients have reported a nearly 12 month wait time, up from the 3 to 5 months it usually took.

Luz Gallegos, Executive Director of TODEC, says they've received an influx of calls from concerned people in the 'Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals' program.

"In the last couple days, we started getting a high number of calls and a high number of walk-ins of DACA recipients that have been waiting for their renewal and they still have not received it. They've been laid off. So right now it's causing not just the fear of immigration and enforcement, but also their economic at home," Gallegos said.

Gallegos says some recipients have reported wait times of 14 months. For many, it's creating an annual process of DACA renewals, as they already expire every 2 years.

A woman at the session, who spoke anonymously with News Channel 3 out of fear, says she was laid off after her DACA status expired in March of this year. She applied for renewal in November 2025.

"Every day that I log in, it's processing, processing, processing, and that's all. What's happening in the meantime, I still have to take care of my family. I still have to take care of my home. I still have to take care of our expenses," she said.

Coachella Mayor Frank Figueroa says despite their sanctuary city status, it's creating fear in the community.

"We can't stop federal agents from conducting their operations. If I feel fear as the mayor of the city, what do you think individuals feel, seeing that green and white truck drive behind you," Figueroa said.

Now, local leaders say the best resource is education.

"It's about prevention. What we are offering is legal consultations. We're also, connecting them with our federal representatives. We are also providing them resources, helping them with financial assistance, groceries. Their their main concern is making money to pay the rent because their house is their only safety net," Gallegos said.

The Department of Homeland Security has said that DACA does not translate to a legal status, and it's recipients are still at risk of deportation.

TODEC has an emergency resource line at 951-388-2008.

For more information on their resources, visit: https://todec.org/.

Tonight, News Channel 3 is sharing more on the ongoing crisis DACA recipients face and how local nonprofits are trying to help.