Friend, Los Angeles is experiencing an unprecedented natural disaster with millions of people forced to make critical decisions about whether or not to leave their homes. In times of danger, it should go without saying that people’s safety must come first.

Yet, as this very crisis unfolds, we are seeing local news reports and hearing from on-the-ground partners that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is actively targeting and detaining immigrant workers in Bakersfield and the surrounding area, just 100-some miles away from Los Angeles. These actions are not only sowing fear across the agricultural hub of Kern County — they send a chilling message to immigrants across the greater Los Angeles area. This is unacceptable.

During natural disasters, the priority should be protecting lives — not stoking fear or exacerbating the crisis. In fact, in response to the wildfires on Jan. 8, the Department of Homeland Security released a statement saying that, “to the fullest extent possible, ICE and CBP do not conduct immigration activities at protected areas,” including sites that provide emergency response and relief. To issue this statement but also conduct enforcement activities in surrounding communities sends dangerous mixed messages to people who are already experiencing crisis.

President Biden has the power to act now. Friend, join us in calling on him to immediately direct CBP to cease all enforcement actions in Kern County and surrounding areas and to issue a clear statement so communities know they can prioritize safety without fear.

SEND A MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT BIDEN

Thank you,

Lynn Damiano Pearson
Immigration Attorney
National Immigration Law Center

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