Overview:
Federal immigration officials have not commented on the reported sightings this week in Fresno County.
The Valley Watch Network and local grassroots groups reported a rise in immigration-related detentions this week in Fresno, Selma and Madera.
“We have seen an uptick in immigration enforcement presence in the region,” Pam Nelson Hollis, director of development & communications with Faith in the Valley, told Fresnoland on Tuesday in an email. “This morning, farm workers in a transport van going from Selma to their jobs in Bakersfield were all detained.”
Federal officials have not confirmed the reported sightings. ICE spokespersons did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
The watch group Fresno Resistance posted videos on social media appearing to show immigration-related detentions at the downtown Fresno ICE office. Two officials in tactical gear were seen escorting an unidentified man into the facility. Other posts warned of possible federal immigration presence on 180 and Brawley, and Clinton and 99 on the west side.
On Monday, Faith in the Valley posted on social media about two “confirmed ICE” sightings, one near Ashlan and Cornelia. Witnesses reported three black SUVs and at least six officers with concealed faces near the Walmart and Walgreens shopping center. Six targeted detentions throughout Fresno were also confirmed.
In another post, a witness reported a possible target detention near Jensen and Prospect avenues on Monday morning. The witness described a man wearing a purple shirt on his way to work.
A Mendota man was also detained on Monday while buying auto parts in Fresno, his family told FOX26.
In Madera, a group called “Madera Uncensored 559” has posted multiple videos on social media, saying that witnesses have seen possible federal immigration agents near the courthouse and patrolling streets.
Faith in the Valley hosts a multi-faith prayer vigil at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in front of the Fresno ICE office, 733 L St, downtown.
Reports of immigration enforcement operations have come out of Southern California as well on Tuesday.
