The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has released preliminary figures from the unsanctioned Deltopia spring break event in Isla Vista, which took place from Friday, April 4, 2025, to Sunday, April 6, 2025. During this time, law enforcement and partner agencies issued 485 citations and made 84 arrests. Additionally, 3 DUI arrests were made at a DUI checkpoint in Goleta, located at Los Carneros Road and Discovery Drive and 2 more DUI’s were made by saturation patrol. Notably, all 5 DUI arrests involved underage drinkers aged 18 to 20.

To provide context, in 2024, there were 256 citations and 32 arrests, and in 2023, 151 citations and 23 arrests were issued.

On Friday night, the event was relatively calm, with 10 citations issued and 1 arrest made by the Sheriff’s Office with an additional 10 citations issued by Alcohol Beverage Control. However, Saturday saw a significant increase in both crowd size and emergency medical calls, most of which were related to alcohol intoxication. Deputies and officers coordinated with fire and medical teams, using pre-planned rescue units to respond to calls and clear roads in densely packed areas, ensuring swift access for ambulances. Thankfully, there were no reported fatalities from cliff falls or fentanyl overdoses. There were no injuries to law enforcement officials or uses of force.

At 10:54 a.m., deputies contacted a group of subjects in the 6900-block of Marketplace drive who were on their way to Deltopia. One of the subjects was found in possession of a loaded firearm and arrested.

Deputies arrested six suspects as the result of a month-long investigation into conspiracy to commit a violation of the festival ordinance. At approximately 11:17 a.m., deputies served a warrant in the 6600-block of Del Playa for a paid party in violation of the County Ordinance with tickets sold using a ticketing platform.

Lieutenant Schmidt, manager of the Isla Vista Foot Patrol Station, said, “This year’s Deltopia operation showcased the strength of teamwork and efficiency. Our team, made up of nearly 300 deputies and officers from 8 law enforcement agencies, worked tirelessly to maintain public safety and respond quickly to medical emergencies. With the larger-than-usual crowds, our officers did an excellent job keeping up and ensuring the safety of the community.”

Lieutenant Schmidt also praised the residents on the ocean side of Del Playa, saying, “We want to thank those who refrained from hosting parties on overloaded balconies. Your cooperation played a key role in keeping Isla Vista safe.”

The Sheriff’s Office extends its thanks to community partners and first responders, including Santa Barbara County Fire, American Medical Response, Alcoholic Beverage Control, University of California Police, California Highway Patrol, Santa Maria Police, Lompoc Police, Ventura County Sheriff, Santa Barbara Police, San Luis Obispo Police, and Santa Barbara County Emergency Medical Services for their collaboration and support during the event.