Results of the 2024 election and Donald Trump’s menacing immigration policies sparked a coalition of immigrant rights and social justice groups to call a press conference at the federal building in Fresno just days after the election. Speakers expressed an outcry of concern and a determination to confront mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, should that come to the San Joaquin Valley. Sukaina Hussain of the California Immigrant Policy Center stressed the urgency of the moment.
“We are standing before you today as representatives from immigrant rights and immigrant-serving organizations,” said Hussain. “The election results of this week have caused a wide array of emotions among vulnerable communities, including pain, grief and anger for immigrant families.
“In the Central Valley, a very real and valid response is uncertainty and fear. During this difficult time, we are standing together to share that local organizations, community organizers and advocates will work to protect families and will fight for our rights.”
Hussain went on to put the impact of mass deportation in a broader context. “For years, Trump has used anti-immigrant and xenophobic hate to fuel his political ambitions. Throughout his presidential campaign, he pledged mass deportation of immigrants. And he said he would do it at any cost.
“He also threatened to eliminate very important legal pathways to citizenship and end programs like Temporary Protected Status and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). He has threatened to enact policies that violate the spirit and values of religious freedom for our country.”
Despite the intensified threats that immigrants will face beginning in 2025, Allison Davenport of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center explained that there are supportive networks that will resist mass deportation activities by government agencies and provide aid to immigrants in distress.
“We are fortunate enough to live in the state of California that values immigrant families,” notes Davenport. “California will continue to protect immigrant communities by funding our legal services and outreach work, providing driver’s licenses and IDs for all, ensuring access to critical public benefits and limiting the ways that our local law enforcement cooperates with ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
“Governor Newsom has called a special session for next month to begin strategizing around some of this. California’s attorney general will once again need to lead the way, and we as a collective are prepared to work with our elected officials to shape those policies so they are as strong and responsive as possible.”
Trump’s bellicose and racist rhetoric during the Presidential campaign, and now his election mandate, is spreading fear throughout Valley communities.
Davenport emphasized that all residents, legally residing here or not, hold legal rights that can be used to protect families at risk. “For years, we’re going to be talking a lot about our constitutional rights.
“Regardless of a person’s immigration status, simply by being on American soil, we all have certain rights. The right to remain silent if we have contact with a law enforcement official, the right to not open the door of our homes to a law enforcement official and due process rights, to have our day in court and to be represented by an attorney.”
The San Joaquin Valley is home to many Dreamers who immigrated to the United States with their parents as children. Thanks to DACA, the immigration program established in 2012 during Barack Obama’s presidency, the Dreamers are part of the fabric of our communities. They have lived with the lingering apprehension that their status could be changed by government action.
Pricilla Ramos warned about what could be at stake. “All they have worked for, and all they know can certainly get taken away. Now with the new Trump administration, these fears only intensify.
“We have been the witness to direct attacks within the Dreamer community, and I also want to establish something very clear to the Trump administration that America is the Dreamers’ home.”
Mattias Bernal introduced himself as a proud, undocumented immigrant living in the Central Valley, “As a DACA recipient, I have withstood the direct attacks of the previous Trump administration and resisted for years.”
He urged civic participation to defend people aimed “at protecting our communities during these uncertain times. It is essential that we take steps to proactively protect ourselves and the well-being of our families. This means staying informed about our rights and the resources available to you.”
Bernal stated the importance of building a rapid response network that will enable people to mobilize quickly and efficiently to potential raids, legal changes and any actions that threaten the peace and security of immigrant communities.
One public official, Kerman Mayor Maria Pacheco, stepped forward with a strong statement in defense of residents in her city, “I stand before you with a clear and unwavering message. I am fully committed to working with and protecting our undocumented families.
“As mayor, my role is to ensure that every resident of Kerman, regardless of their immigration status, feels safe, respected and valued.”
Pacheco is working with Rep. John Duarte (R–Modesto) in advocating for stronger protections and legislative solutions for undocumented residents.
“We are preparing for the next steps in the fight for justice and equality,” says Pacheco. “We will continue to press forward ensuring that no one is left behind and that our communities remain a safe place where everyone can live without fear.”
The coalition plans to communicate with civic leaders and local law enforcement agencies to seek cooperation in protecting Valley residents. The coalition further aims to continue seeking humane, inclusive and permanent immigration solutions under the new administration.
