Press Release

Major Federal Immigration Operation Headed to Bay Area

Alameda, CA – Today, the San Francisco Chronicle confirmed that a major federal immigration operation is headed to the San Francisco Bay Area. The Trump administration has dispatched more than 100 federal agents, including some from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to Coast Guard Island in Alameda and they will begin to arrive Thursday.

"When similar deployments have occurred in other cities what we've seen are overly aggressive immigration enforcement tactics that lead to protests and civil unrest. The President and his goons then point to the unrest they themselves created to justify their tactics and even send in the National Guard," said State Senator Jesse Arreguín (D-Oakland). "Terrorizing our communities doesn't make us safer, it drives hardworking people into the shadows. We’re not safer when our immigrant community is too afraid to go to work, report crimes or criminals, bring their kids to school or go to the hospital. This President doesn’t care for meaningful immigration reform. He’s resigned to publicity stunts that have virtually no impact other than terrorizing hard working people. That’s not only inhumane, it’s un-American."

 

In response to news of the operation, Senator Arreguín and his office made the following recommendations to local elected officials:   

  • Remind citizens to protest peacefully. This administration has put their playbook on display and are seeking to create chaos in order to justify additional federal deployments. Don’t take the bait. Similarly remind the public that violence or property damage will never be tolerated.

  • Communicate regularly with the community and immigration advocacy organizations to remind them that California is a sanctuary state and local law enforcement, schools and teachers do not cooperate with Immigration and Customs enforcement. It’s critical that everyone in our community, including undocumented immigrants, continue to report crimes and criminals. 

  • Communicate regularly with the community and immigration advocacy organizations to ensure they are aware of available resources. 

     

In response to news of the operation, Senator Arreguín and his office made the following recommendations to local law enforcement:   

  • Law enforcement leaders should communicate their values and general orders that prohibit cooperation with ICE and meet with immigrant community leaders to reassure them of department protocols. 

  • Give line officers clear guidance on how to handle encounters with ICE or Border Patrol officials. 

  • Maintain safety at any forthcoming protests at all times. Keep all protestors and law enforcement officials alike safe

  • Vigorously support and defend the public’s First Amendment right to peaceful protest.