‘Fear is real’: What valley leaders know of border patrol in Fresno County

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Following the latest border patrol action “Operation Return to Sender” resulting in the arrests of 78 people in Kern County, politicians and advocates gathered Saturday looking to address new fears of similar operations happening locally.

“The jurisdiction for customs and border protections is delineated in federal law within 100 miles of the border. Clearly, Kern County and anything north of Kern County is far from 100 miles of the border,” said Valley Congressman Jim Costa.

Costa and other local politicians and organizations came together to express concerns for the immigrant community after border patrol arrests in Kern County— with reports of a similar operation in Fresno.

“As you can tell, the fear is real. The concerns are very much present here in our community,” said Fresno County District 3 Supervisor Luis Chavez.

While the border patrol’s “El Centro Sector” says those arrested were targeted as part of drug, gun, and human trafficking operations, Chavez says fear spreading among everyday immigrant workers could have a ripple effect.

“These last couple days have been very, very stressful for our immigrant community. I have received reports from food processing facilities that have had absences of 15% to 20% here locally. Orders that will not be able to be fulfilled,” said Chavez.

Costa also shared details from a phone call with the border patrol commissioner, providing a brief outlook.

“The 78 arrests that took place, that that was, at this point, going to be the conclusion of the actions,” Costa said. “He said they would reassess the impacts that that had.”

Officials also confirm local law enforcement, including Fresno police and the sheriff’s office, are not involved in any operations related to immigration sweeps.