Vendors call for the resignation of Fresno Councilmember Miguel Arias

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Local vendors are demanding the resignation of Fresno City Councilman Miguel Arias.

This follows Arias’ claims that an ICE raid was scheduled at the Cherry Avenue Auction last month. The raid did not happen, but vendors say they are taking a financial hit with the drop in attendance, as many are too scared to visit.

“This hasn’t affected just the one specific market. This has affected the entire Central Valley, if not more,” said produce vendor Susana Osuna.

Osuna spearheaded and collected 50 signatures from vendors who feel their businesses have been negatively impacted since then. She says she has lost about 90% of her income since the claim. 

Osuna says the Cherry Auction isn’t the only flea market affected; others have seen up to a 50% decrease in attendance. It’s not just from customers. 

“It’s been really slow. Like is also because of the heat. But mostly they are not coming because they’re scared. And also, the vendors don’t come a lot either,” said one vendor who wanted to remain anonymous. 

Another producer vendor who did not want to be on camera told Yourcentralvalley that an entire row of reserved spots is usually full. But vendors decided not to show up.

Vendors are now asking Arias to either reveal his source or apologize for lying. The letter addressed to the councilmember states that he has made food security an even greater burden. It continues to read in part:

“Mr. Arias continues to enjoy his financial employment and does not have to worry about how to make a house payment, pay the rent or put food on the table…”

YourCentralValley has asked Arias several times where he got that information, but he has not answered. Instead, he sent a statement that reads in part:

“Blaming the messenger only distracts from the real culprit behind the mass deportation raids…”

Osuna also wrote letters addressed to both Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Jerry Dyer asking for Arias’ resignation.

“He has an obligation to his constituents to protect them, to do well for them. And he did everything but with this one statement,” she added.

YourCentralValley also reached out to Fresno City Council President Mike Karbassi. He told us that Arias is protected by his First Amendment rights, and he will not comment on potential litigation.

Osuna plans to address the city council at their next meeting.