On Tuesday, January 7, 2025 Kern County saw multiple immigration raids performed by the US Border Patrol. This targeted action used multiple tactics to detain Hispanic laborers.

  • Workplace raids in agricultural areas, hardware stores, and local shops.
  • Community raids in areas that serve the Hispanic community.
  • Pulling over cars on freeways including 99 and 5.
  • Plain clothed agents at gas stations.

The Board Patrol stated “The U.S. Border Patrol conducts targeted enforcement arrests of individuals involved in smuggling throughout our areas of operation as part of our efforts to dismantle transnational criminal organizations.” However, of the 78 arrests reported over the 3 day operation they found 2 individuals with arrest warrants, and besides cannabis there was less than $100 worth of methamphetamine seized collectively from 4 individuals. 

 

Why should I care?

The California Central Valley population is 40% – 55% Hispanic and undocumented immigrants in California pay nearly $8.5 billion in state and local taxes. Immigration raids hurt the Central Valley even if you have never interacted with an undocumented immigrant. They work to feed the country, do manual labor jobs with speed, and pay taxes that go to our schools, streets, and government programs they will never be eligible to receive. Undocumented immigrants are part of what makes the Central Valley the abundant and culturally rich place to live.

 

Where did they go?

The Central Valley is now home to two new for-profit ICE detention centers. Golden State Annex in McFarland, California which is 25 miles North of Bakersfield; and Mesa Verda in Bakersfield, California. Both are under 15 year contracts that total over $3 billion dollars and pay for a minimum of 880 beds between the two facilities. Learn more information of California’s six ICE detention centers at https://www.aclunc.org/CA_database 

 

Be an active ally.

Witnessing law enforcement raids can be scary, even if you are not the targeted population. Taking some simple steps can help keep our communities safe.

  • If you see Border Patrol agents or cars, get loud! Letting folks know gives folks time to find safety. Learn “la migra!” (la me-g-rah) Shout it out loud. “Immigration is here! La migra!”
  • Take a photo and send the location toValley Watch Rapid Response Network at (559)206-0151, ACLU Central Valley at (559) 206-0151 or similar organization that can help spread the word.
  • Observe and record (when safe) from a distance. Recording law enforcement in public places is your right.
  • Remember law enforcement is allowed to lie, intimidate, and bluff. Knowing and sharing our rights is important. You can pick up a wallet size ACLU booklet “Your Rights and The Police” at MoPride Center or directly from ACLU at https://www.aclunc.org/our-work/know-your-rights 
  • Remember to be aware of your surroundings and ensure your safety when observing and reporting law enforcement activities. 

 

Why should the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups care?

As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it is important to reflect on points made that remain true today. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” Letter from Birmingham, Alabama jail, April 16, 1963.

 

With uncertainty on what the next 4 years will bring, it is critical that we work together to protect one another. Whether it is taking direct action or donating to community organizations, we can all do our part to keep families together and support our most vulnerable communities.