Long Beach Daily: Flooded Streets, Civic Fears, and a Heated Immigration Debate

Long Beach, CA — February 17, 2026 — A powerful winter storm flooded streets, while new research and political debate put immigration and democracy in the local spotlight.

Storm flooding swamps Long Beach streets

Heavy rain from the latest Pacific storm cell turned parts of Long Beach into fast-moving streams on Monday night, sending water over curbs and into intersections. Video widely shared on social media showed at least one resident literally surfing along a flooded neighborhood street, underscoring just how deep the water became in some low-lying areas.

The downpour arrived as forecasters warned of an unusually hazardous week of storms across Southern California, with the first front delivering intense bursts of rain and urban flooding in coastal cities. Local emergency officials urged drivers to avoid submerged underpasses and not to attempt to cross moving water, noting that even a few inches can disable a vehicle or knock a person off their feet.

City guidance continues to stress basic flood safety: watch for updated alerts, move valuables off the floor in flood‑prone homes, and steer clear of storm drains, channels, and the surf zone during high surf advisories.

Street takeover leaves car in flames, injuries in separate crash

Police are also dealing with the fallout from a weekend street takeover that drew a large crowd and ended with one car fully engulfed in flames. The unsanctioned gathering, which involved drivers spinning out and blocking an intersection, scattered when officers moved in. In a separate but related crash nearby, two people were reported injured.

Authorities say they are reviewing video and license plate information in an effort to identify organizers and participants. Street takeovers remain a growing concern across the region, with law enforcement warning that spectators as well as drivers can face citations, impound fees, and potential criminal charges when these events turn violent or destructive.

Study documents democracy barriers for immigrant residents

Beyond the weather, a new academic study is drawing attention to how immigration enforcement affects civic life in Long Beach. Researchers working with local community groups spent six months interviewing residents about voting, public meetings, and everyday interactions with city institutions.

They found that fear of immigration enforcement extends well beyond undocumented residents, creating a chill on public participation for mixed‑status families and some long‑time residents. At the same time, the report highlights local bright spots, including public libraries and community organizations that are seen as trusted, welcoming spaces to learn about city services and civic opportunities.

The authors recommend trauma‑informed practices at city counters, better communication through trusted messengers, and more co‑designed forums where residents help shape policies that affect them.

City doubles down on stance toward federal immigration actions

Those findings land as Long Beach leaders sharpen their own stance on federal immigration enforcement. Earlier this month, the City Council backed new work under the Long Beach Values Act, expanding legal-defense resources and tightening rules on federal access to city facilities.

The council also voted to draft a resolution calling for wider federal accountability, including the removal of the current Homeland Security secretary and an end to enforcement practices they say undermine local safety and trust. City officials frame the moves as part of a broader push to protect civil rights and ensure immigrant residents feel safe using schools, libraries, and other basic services.

Looking ahead

With more rain in the forecast through midweek, residents are being encouraged to clear gutters, report clogged storm drains, and keep an eye on rapidly changing conditions. Community groups, meanwhile, say they will use the new democracy report and the city’s immigration actions as organizing tools heading into the next election cycle.

Sources

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