California State Assembly Democratic Caucus

01/10/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/11/2025 02:02

Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria Releases Statement on Recent Border Patrol Activity in the Central Valley

For immediate release:
Friday, January 10, 2025

SACRAMENTO, CA - Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria (D-Fresno) issued the following statement on recent Border Patrol activity in the Central Valley:

"As a daughter of immigrant farmworkers, it is more important than ever-That we ensure our farmworker communities are safe, and FEEL safe," said Soria. " These operations by U.S. Border Patrol officials are causing fear and panic in our Central Valley communities among families, workers and individuals who are NOT criminals. I want to be crystal clear: The individuals detained by immigration officials that have committed crimes should be held accountable. Behind every crime there is a victim and we should do everything we can to protect victims, prevent more victims and take criminals off the street. Immigration officials need to take a surgical approach to apprehending criminals to ease community concerns among those who are traveling to work, raising families and contributing to their community every single day. Without this approach, we will see a destabilization in our small towns, communities, and our agricultural economy, negatively impacting the entire country's food supply."

Assemblywoman Soria, along with the California Latino Legislative Caucus, strongly urges the Border Patrol to announce its planned raids and maintain its established protocols of avoiding raids at sensitive locations like schools, hospitals and places of worship. These venues should remain free from operations, otherwise a chilling effect may prevent law-abiding residents from visiting these locations and utilizing their vital services. Assemblywoman Soria's offices, both in the Central Valley, and Sacramento will continue to closely monitor any additional activities by immigration officials, and will keep our constituents informed.

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Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria represents the 27th Assembly District which includes communities in Fresno, Madera, and Merced counties.