Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem Hilda L. Solis joined Peace Over Violence and survivor advocates on the steps of Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, demanding the full public release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files following powerful survivor testimonies on Capitol Hill.
The press conference showed solidarity with survivors who recently delivered emotional accounts of abuse and institutional failures to Congress. Many came forward for the first time, supporting bipartisan legislation requiring the Department of Justice to release remaining Epstein documents.
"When survivors speak, we must listen. But listening is not enough. We must act with urgency and integrity," Solis said. "The federal government has a moral responsibility to stand with survivors. Justice cannot come from secrecy or delay."
Survivors described the documents as vital to their healing, while expressing frustration that individuals who enabled Epstein's crimes have avoided consequences.
President Donald Trump dismissed transparency calls as a "Democrat hoax," claiming political motivation. Advocates condemned those remarks as undermining survivors and deflecting from accountability needs.
"Survivors must be heard, not silenced. They must be believed, not dismissed," said Patti Giggans, executive director of Peace Over Violence. "The courage of more than 100 victims and survivors of Epstein's abuse is heartbreaking. They were children."
Speakers also addressed concerns about recent immigration enforcement actions by masked, unidentified federal agents, which have intensified fear among undocumented survivors and trafficking victims already reluctant to seek help.
"These recent enforcement actions by unidentified, masked men are not just alarming—they are a direct threat to the safety and dignity of our immigrant communities," said Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez of Los Angeles City Council District 1.
The enforcement tactics deepen trauma for undocumented survivors and trafficking victims, speakers said. They emphasized the need for safe spaces where survivors can seek help without fear of deportation.
"No survivor should have to choose between safety and deportation," Solis added. "These immigration raids are not only cruel, they make our communities less safe. When survivors are afraid to come forward, predators are protected."
The press conference concluded with unified calls for federal action to end delays in justice, stop the culture of silence and provide transparency survivors have been denied. Speakers emphasized the issue transcends political affiliation, focusing on restoring trust, dignity and safety for abuse survivors.
Edited by SMDP Staff