Activists Urge Sonoma County Leaders to Act Against ICE Threats
Concerns are escalating within Sonoma County’s immigrant community following the recent deployment of federal agents in the Bay Area to bolster immigration enforcement. Although the operation appears to have been suspended, local activists are pressing county leaders to take definitive action to safeguard residents.
In response to the heightened anxiety, the Sonoma County Sanctuary Coalition convened an emergency meeting on March 15, 2024. The gathering followed the arrival of federal Border Patrol agents, which many believe signals an ongoing threat of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Activist Renee Saucedo expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “The reality is the people are so terrified and so full of distress that people aren’t leaving their homes.” Reports indicate a surge in calls to immigrant hotlines like the Rapid Response Network, reflecting the community’s fear.
While it appears that the immigration operation has been called off at the urging of San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and executives from Salesforce and Nvidia, many residents remain on edge, fearing future raids. Local veteran Nathan Kempthorne, who has served in three war zones, voiced his concern, stating, “I didn’t survive three war zones to live in one.” His sentiments were echoed by other community members, including Esther Kempthorne, who emphasized the impact of ICE activities on local families.
Activists are taking proactive steps to protect their community, posting signs outside of churches to deter ICE agents. They are urging Sonoma County officials to adopt more robust measures. “So we’re calling on our county to do at least as much as other counties have been doing: pass a non-collaboration ordinance. Create ICE-free zones,” Saucedo added.
In response to these calls for action, Supervisor Lynda Hopkins stated, “In Sonoma County, we stand with our immigrant community.” She noted that the county is enhancing its collaboration with the sheriff’s office and activating the Department of Emergency Management to prepare for any potential fallout affecting the immigrant population. “We need to remain vigilant. Just because it’s not happening now doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen in the future,” Hopkins remarked.
The county leadership plans to meet with the Sanctuary Coalition next week to discuss further actions. Additionally, the coalition is organizing a rally for immigrant rights at the Sonoma County Jail scheduled for Thursday, March 21, 2024. This event aims to amplify the voices of those advocating for immigrant rights and to call for a more supportive environment for the vulnerable community.
As tensions persist, the situation in Sonoma County highlights the urgent need for local leaders to address the fears of their constituents and take concrete steps to protect immigrant families.
