FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – President Trump confirmed Thursday that ICE will be conducting campaigns across the state for “at least 45 days” and that “Sanctuary rules will not stop it.”
He says the crackdown began several days ago around San Diego. Since then, ICE’s presence has grown across the Central Valley, with multiple confirmed detainments in Fresno County, including a van load of farm workers.
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Trump added that, “Officers have been told to arrest illegal immigrants they encounter, not only people with serious criminal records… Entering and staying here without permission is already a violation of federal law.”
But Governor Newsom warns that illegal immigrants might not be the only people being targeted.
Hours after President Trump shared his message, Gov. Newsom took to social media, writing in part:
“This is exactly what I warned would happen last year. Trump is using mass deportations to TERRORIZE diverse communities out of legally voting — ordering his secret police to “go after everybody.”
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Those who can legally vote cannot legally be targeted by ICE. YourCentralValley.com reached out to the governor’s office to ask whether he believes that those who are in the country legally are also being targeted.
Despite the President’s and Governor’s statements, Congressman David Valadao maintains that operations are focused on those with criminal histories.
“I’ve been in contact with the Department of Homeland Security regarding recent immigration enforcement actions in the Central Valley, and they’ve informed my office that these operations are focused on individuals with active warrants and known criminal histories.”