Fresno County leaders and community organizations are working to clear up confusion surrounding recent reports of federal immigration enforcement activities in the area.
On Saturday, Fresno County Supervisor Luis Chavez hosted a media briefing aimed at providing clarity on the relationship between federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement. The event highlighted efforts by local representatives in Congress, the State Legislature, and various community organizations to reassure residents about their rights and address concerns over immigration enforcement.
The Background: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently carried out a surprise three-day operation in Kern County, called “Return to Sender,” resulting in the arrest of 78 undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds. Following the operation, unverified reports of CBP officials approaching farmworkers in rural Fresno County led to worker absences on local farms.
Chavez emphasized the need to clarify the role of local law enforcement in immigration matters, regardless of what incidents may or may not have occurred in the county. “Local law enforcement agencies are focused on criminal activities, not immigration status,” he explained, aiming to reassure the community.
Representative Costa also spoke out, expressing support for removing criminals from the streets. However, he criticized the tactic of instilling fear in hardworking immigrants who contribute to the local economy, especially in food production. “Spreading fear to those who are contributing every day is not the way to address border issues,” he said.
Fresno City Council member Nelson Esparza warned that if these operations become routine, it could lead to significant economic consequences. “If this becomes the new normal, it will be devastating for our economy,” he stated during the briefing.
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