HALF MOON BAY, Calif. (KGO) — A recent three-day Border Patrol operation in California’s Central Valley has caused growing fear along the San Mateo County coast.
“I’m worried about what’s happening with immigration,” said one farmworker, who wished to remain anonymous. “Everyone at the farm I work at is on edge.”
Last week, Border Patrol agents in unmarked vehicles arrested 78 undocumented immigrants in Fresno and Kern counties. While agents stated that their mission focused on targeting criminals, local nonprofits fear this may be a pretext, with the same type of operation potentially affecting Half Moon Bay.
Over the weekend, rumors circulated about a local restaurant that did not open for business, and some people reportedly moved away. Joaquin Jimenez, regional director for JobTrain Coastside, noticed fewer people at a local store, adding to the growing anxiety.
Jimenez, a former mayor of Half Moon Bay, distributed hundreds of red cards outlining the rights of undocumented immigrants in case they are confronted by immigration agents.
San Mateo County is home to more than 2,500 farmworkers, according to county records. The agricultural industry generates over $100 million annually in the area, a sum that could be severely impacted by immigration raids.
“They have work permits, but that doesn’t stop ICE from detaining them,” Jimenez said.
In Pescadero, the nonprofit group Puente is organizing a workshop for Wednesday to educate workers about their rights. Program Director Arlae Alston emphasized that even without documentation, people still have rights.
“You don’t have to run, and you don’t have to answer questions,” Alston said. “It’s important to stay quiet and know what to do if ICE raids happen.”
Puente is also using its app to send alerts to farmworkers during raids. The app notifies the community about Puente events and provides updates on immigration enforcement activity.
“The app helps keep the community informed if we confirm that ICE is in the area,” Alston explained.
For now, many farmworkers are reluctant to return to work.
“It’s tough right now. We don’t know what to do. We’re hoping they don’t come here,” one farmworker said.
Related topics:
