ICE detains vanload of Central Valley farm workers driving from Selma
ICE agents reportedly detained a van of farm workers from Selma, marking another in a series of Central Valley ICE detentions across the region this week.
Federal immigration agents reportedly detained a van carrying farm laborers traveling from Selma on Tuesday morning. The group was stopped during a commute toward Bakersfield, according to community group Faith in the Valley. Agents detained everyone on board.
This marked the fifth regional location visited by federal immigration officers within several days. A video recorded on Monday showed agents detaining a man in Fresno. Federal officers were also reportedly seen in Parlier and Madera on Tuesday.
Officials in Mendota responded on Wednesday. They publicly announced that they said “no to ICE” following the recent reports.
Regional law enforcement agencies operate separately from federal immigration authorities. Both sheriff offices and police departments maintain that they do not participate in federal enforcement efforts. They do not provide support for federal immigration operations.
Federal immigration authorities have been contacted for an official response regarding the Selma stop.
