We just received notice of the first large scale ICE action to take place in Fresno County.
I received a call on Saturday, from an immigrant who works at the Bee Sweet Citrus packing house in Fowler. The employees were informed that ICE or other immigration officials would do an I-9 Employment Verification on Tuesday, 2/6/18.
Bee Sweet Citrus is a huge operation with orchards and a processing operation which includes a 400,000 sq ft facility and warehouse. The 2018 season began in November and reaches full swing through the holidays, with a workforce of up to 700 employees.The Company told employees that they had nothing to worry about and they should report to work as always. However, a large number of employees have already resigned or were terminated.
Since the original notification, another notice went to employees saying the date was change to 2/20/18. That could be do to the dramatic reductions of their workforce and to avoid panic. The employees are aware that it may only be a tactic. The owner, Jim Marderosian was supposedly a big Trump supporter.
Affected employees and members of the community inquire as to the audit practice, whether it violates SB 54, AB 540 or other statutes and what Attorney General Becerra can do. In the end it may be that only political and community pressure can bring a pause to this unjust action.
We are asking concerned community members to contact their political leaders, including on the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, Fresno, Sanger, Parlier, Selma and Fowler city councils.
We also believe that Congressional Representatives, including but not limited to Jim Costa, Valadao and Nunes should feel pressure from their constituents.
We are tentatively scheduling a mobilization of support for Tuesday, 2/6/18. Details will be follow. Pleas voice your opposition to this action. For more info contact me at 559 908-6701, you can also let me know if you prefer to be dropped from updates, I understand.
WIDEN AND STRENGTHEN THE CIRCLE: PROTECT IMMIGRANT FAMILIES!
