have a big feral colony? what can i do to insure that the city cant come and take them away?

so I love in Compton, Ca. we have lived here for over 10 years. ever since we moved here there had been cats in our backyard... we TNR them but out of nowhere two pregnant cats came and gave us their liters (we captured one mom and all her kittens and got them fixed) but one mom we cant catch cuz she lives up the street... Long story short we have about 26 cats now. we feed them make sure they have water we pick up after them. they all have names and knows it.....my question is I know that we are limited by how many cats we can have I think its 5 out side... clearly I have way more than that. I don't want the county to come and take them (they know about them) what can I do so they cant just come and be like give me ur cats.... is there a kennel license or a feral cat colony rescue or something I can apply for?

Bumping this up to see if anyone has any advice.

I am so sorry I did not see this earlier!  You could apply for a 501(c)(3), which is a non-profit designation through the IRS.  You will be able to take donations (they will be tax deductible for the donors).  It may also protect you in terms of the city taking the cats.

HOWEVER, you must secure the cats as soon as possible.  That may mean an enclosure of some sort that will keep them contained (so they aren't running the neighborhood).

You must also trap that momma cat as soon as possible and have her fixed - otherwise you'll have more cats before you can do anything more!

I do not know the attitude in Compton towards free-roaming cats.  I would definitely try to locate a rescue or other organization that is favorable towards TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return).

Alley Cat Allies may have some info (alleycat.org).  Try searching their website and see if they have any information on an organization near you.

does your county or state have a grant for fixing feral cats?? If so they will provide cages to capture them. Just a thought. In Fl. Clay county has so many cat colonies they bring cages out to homes that feed them, take them to be fixed and return them.

God your city is a God send believe me.  Mine has NOTHING like that and I so wish it did.  It is very hard to do all this alone and with no community help.