Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee on Friday said she received confirmation that immigration enforcement operations have been canceled in the greater Bay Area.
The mayor released the following statement about the Border Patrol presence:
“I spoke with Alameda County Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez, who confirmed through her communications with ICE that Border Patrol operations are cancelled for the greater Bay Area — which includes Oakland — at this time.”
Lee’s statement also addressed the shooting incident Thursday night at Coast Guard Island in Alameda.
“I am aware of last night’s shooting near the entrance of Coast Guard Island in Alameda. The Oakland Police Department is assisting the Alameda Police Department in securing the perimeter of the scene. The FBI is the lead agency investigating the incident, and I will continue to gather available information as it becomes accessible.”
The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office also released a video statement Friday afternoon, saying “We recognize that everyone in our county has a constitutional right to peacefully protest. The sheriff’s office respects and will protect that right, as peaceful expression is part of what makes our community strong. Acts of civil unrest and violence will not be tolerated.”
“If another law enforcement agency asks for mutual aid, my team may be called in to help restore peace and order. When that happens, our mission is simple: to look out for the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone involved. My deputies are committed to protecting life no matter who you are to the community,” said Sanchez.
Sanchez continued, “This response may look like Alameda County Sheriff’s Office is standing in accordance with federal agencies involved. We will be present to protect life and preserve peace, but that does not mean we agree with their mission.”
Lee has scheduled a news conference with other Alameda County mayors, hosted by Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, at 1:45 p.m. Friday, focused mainly on the impacts of the federal government shutdown.