Federal agents are coming to the Bay Area: SF Chronicle scoop
More than 100 federal agents are expected to arrive Thursday in Alameda, the Chronicle reports.
A "surge of federal agents" is expected to hit the Bay Area this week, the San Francisco Chronicle reports today in an exclusive scoop, citing "a source familiar with the operation."
"The Trump administration has dispatched more than 100 federal agents, including from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to Coast Guard Base Alameda," the Chronicle reports. "They will begin to arrive Thursday."
California leaders are paying attention.
Early Wednesday afternoon, Sen. Jesse Arreguín (D-Berkeley) issued a strong statement censuring the Trump administration.
"Terrorizing our communities doesn't make us safer, it drives hardworking people into the shadows," Arreguín said. "This President doesn’t care for meaningful immigration reform. He’s resigned to publicity stunts that have virtually no impact other than terrorizing hard working people. That’s not only inhumane, it’s un-American."
In the statement, Arreguín offered advice to local representatives and police.
He urged local officials to up their communication with the public and immigration advocacy organizations alike.
"Remind them that California is a sanctuary state and local law enforcement, schools and teachers do not cooperate with Immigration and Customs enforcement," he wrote. "It’s critical that everyone in our community, including undocumented immigrants, continue to report crimes and criminals."
He asked local law enforcement agencies to remind the public about their values and ensure that officers have "clear guidance on how to handle encounters with ICE or Border Patrol officials."
Arreguín also emphasized safety at protests and said police should do everything possible to "Vigorously support and defend the public’s First Amendment right to peaceful protest."
The Scanner has asked Berkeley officials — the city manager's office, the mayor's office and the Berkeley Police Department — to comment on this news. We will update this story if they respond.
The Chronicle story highlights the California Values Act, which restricts the ability of local law enforcement agencies to coordinate with federal immigration enforcement.
Read the complete story on the San Francisco Chronicle. If you live or work in Berkeley, and this news has affected you, we would like to hear from you.
