STATEMENT: Sens. Schiff, Padilla on Immigration Raids Targeting California’s Agricultural Workers and Communities

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) released the following statement in response to reporting of federal immigration authorities targeting California's agricultural workers and communities in the Central Coast and Central Valley:

"We are deeply alarmed by the latest actions from the Trump administration targeting workers at agricultural fields, packinghouses and other facilities from the Central Coast to the Central Valley. California is the nation's largest agricultural state, and without the people who work through harsh conditions - extreme heat, cold weather, or pouring rain - feeding the nation would be impossible, and putting food on the table would be much more expensive for American families.

"While the Trump administration repeatedly claims it is focused on violent criminals and gangs, their draconian actions tell a different story. Targeting hardworking farmworkers and their families who have been doing the backbreaking work in the fields for decades is unjustified and unconscionable. We will be monitoring federal immigration officials to ensure that they follow the law and provide the due process that is required by our Constitution. These disruptive raids are harming American businesses and separating families, and will only push food prices higher. This must stop."

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