BAKERSFIELD, Calif (KGET) — A controversial proposal is sparking debate across Bakersfield. The city could soon decide whether to adopt policies that would limit local involvement in federal immigration enforcement — making Bakersfield a sanctuary city.
It’s a move some supporters call a step toward protecting immigrant communities. The movement is gaining ground in Bakersfield, with several people showing up to Wednesday’s city council meeting to advocate for the change.
“ICE does not have that authority. ICE does not have the right to take away the sacredness of individuals in our community who have contributed and are contributing for decades, years, and birthrights,” said Audrey Chavez, an advocate and Bakersfield business owner. “They don’t have that authority.”
While Kern County is known for being more conservative, Chavez said the progressive community is larger in Bakersfield than some might imagine, and that’s why she speaks out.
“I am wanting to show that people are in support of making Bakersfield a sanctuary city. And we feel it’s of extreme importance because of the times that we are living in,” Chavez said.
A sanctuary city is a municipality that limits its cooperation with federal immigration authorities to deport or detain undocumented immigrants. Vice Mayor Manpreet Kaur and Council member Andrae Gonzales voiced support for a sanctuary city. Even still, some Bakersfield residents oppose it.
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“Well, I don’t think that’s a good idea at all,” said Angelo Frazier, a Bakersfield pastor. “If anything, I think we need to have a better relationship with law enforcement. When I hear sanctuary city, it’s generally the law-abiding people are the ones that are going to get hurt.”
As a person of color, Frazier said he has experienced racism firsthand, but enforcing immigration is not that.
“I was there during the riots, I was there when King marched. I was there — I saw all that,” Frazier said. “I was there when the city was shut down. I know what real racism is, and I know what this pretend stuff is now.”
The city’s Laws and Legislation Committee is expected to continue the sanctuary city discussion in the coming weeks.
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