New California Immigration Raids Are 'Sowing Chaos'
Billal Rahman Newsweek
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents make an arrest. (photo: Charles Reed/ICE/AP)
She was responding to a series of raids in the Bakersfield area this week, reported by ABC News, which Border Patrol says are targeted, but which migrant representatives say are intimidating and based on random racial profiling, sparking fears among immigrants in the state.
But Bakersfield Mayor, Karen Goh, told Newsweek the operations were cartel-related, led by the El Centro Border Patrol, as part of a "targeted effort to combat narcotics trafficking and human trafficking."
Newsweek has contacted the Department of Homeland Security for comment via email.
Why It Matters
President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to implement the largest mass deportation program in U.S. history, leading migrant communities to fear that tougher immigration enforcement will become increasingly common under his administration, signaling a potential nationwide shift in how authorities may behave under the incoming government.
What To Know
Dozens of people were arrested during Border Patrol operations throughout the week in the Kern County region, according to ABC News. Videos and images online show agents detaining individuals at several places locations across the region.
When contacted by Newsweek, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said operations, are "targeted." But the United Farm Workers union said on X, formerly Twitter, that its members had been "randomly detained while traveling home from work" in Kern County, and the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice (CCIJ) branded the raids as "intimidation tactics and racial profiling."
Goh told Newsweek: "My understanding is that this is an operation by El Centro Border Patrol focused on narcotics and human trafficking by cartels. Media reports that two child rapists were caught the first day; however, I am not aware of the number of people arrested."
Sarah Fuentes, a manager at a Chevron station in Bakersfield, told ABC News that she witnessed Border Patrol officers and agents in plain clothes approach several of her customers, inquire about their immigration status, and arrest multiple individuals.
Fuentes said she initially believed the officers were executing a warrant but noticed: "It was only Hispanics and field workers that they were putting aside."
It comes amid growing concerns among lawmakers, advocates, and immigrant communities over Trump's plans for millions of undocumented immigrants.
What People Are Saying
Goh said in a statement to Newsweek: "The Bakersfield Police Department is not participating in the operations related to the presence of Customs and Border Protection in the City. California Values Act—SB 54 prohibits cooperation by local law enforcement and ICE to enforce federal immigration statutes. It is codified in Government Code section 7284.6. If a person is a victim of a crime or in need of police services, irrespective of immigration status, we ask him/her to call the Bakersfield Police Department.
"My understanding is that this is an operation by El Centro Border Patrol focused on narcotics and human trafficking by cartels. Media reports that two child rapists were caught the first day; however, I am not aware of the number of people arrested.
"I am concerned for persons who are unnecessarily in fear. For cartels who are engaging in criminal activities that harm our community, such as narcotics and human trafficking, they appropriately have reason to fear apprehension."
A CBP spokesperson told Newsweek: "The USBP conducts targeted enforcement arrests of individuals involved in smuggling throughout our areas of operations as part of our efforts to dismantle transnational criminal organizations.
California state Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez said in a statement via the California Latino Legislative Caucus: "Today, unannounced raids by U.S. Border Patrol officials are sowing chaos and discord in households and workplaces across the state. These actions do more than just target criminals; they ensnare residents merely working to achieve the American dream and cast fear amongst many more."
The California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice (CCIJ) said in a statement: "California cannot tolerate intimidation tactics and racial profiling of citizens and noncitizens by BP in Kern County and communities across the state. Such fear tactics have detrimental effects on community members who are being abruptly separated from their loved ones and now fear for their safety."
The United Farm Workers union said in a post on X: "UFW union members are among those detained while traveling home from work yesterday in Kern County, CA. We are providing them and their families with support. Random actions like this are not meant to keep anyone safe; they are intended to terrorize hardworking people."
Goh told ABC News: "The Bakersfield Police Department is aware the U.S. Border Patrol is conducting operations in the City of Bakersfield. State law requires that no local or state resources are used to assist in federal immigration enforcement. The Bakersfield Police Department remains strictly focused on local public safety responsibilities. If a resident is a victim and is in need of police services, irrespective of his/her immigration status, the resident is welcome to call the Bakersfield Police Department."
What Happens Next
Trump, who will take office in less than two weeks, has repeatedly vowed to deport millions of undocumented migrants. How this is achieved will be scrutinized by his political opposition, who will be quick to call out perceived injustices.
Trump's transition team has been contacted by Newsweek for comment via email.
