BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Chevron by Meadows Field Airport continues to be a center of attention in Bakersfield. What is usually a regular stop for field workers on their way to Porterville, ended up being one of the first places raided by Border Patrol in Kern County.
Two days after the raid, protesters gathered to plead for support.
“I think it’s important to know the first, fourth, and fifth amendment right now…I think it’s important for us to learn it, talk to our families about it, translate it to them,” said YouTube content creator, David Villa. “If you have to talk at the dinner table, about it.”
Many are angry at how they’ve witnessed Agents conducting the raids.
“It’s never okay to just pull somebody over because maybe he was a gardener and he thought he was undocumented or maybe he…you know there has to be a good, valid reason why they pulled them over,” said Alyson Zepeda, a raid witness.
“They can’t go around on a hunch, just pulling people over, because the color of your skin or the color of your hair,” said David Villa.
Community members believe now is the time to warn others.
“I’ve been going around the neighborhood telling all the gardeners, and people,” said Zepeda. “I’m like, ‘I don’t want to…I’m not profiling you and saying that you’re undocumented,’ but I said, ‘I’m not profiling you, but I also want you to be…I want you to stay vigilant, I want you to know.'”
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“Just record! Look, guys, don’t interfere, just record,” said Vila. “You can let the people know that they have rights not to say nothing.”
“Don’t mess with hardworking people,” said Zepeda.
“I don’t think Bakersfield is coming together because they’re going after criminals,” said Alyson Zepeda. “I’ve seen what the Border Patrol said, as far as like, they’re catching criminals. They’re going to catch a couple and that’s what they’re going to post, to make it seem like what they’re doing is legit.”
If you or a loved one has been impacted by these operations, text your name and number to the Rapid Response Network of Kern County at 661-432-2230.
You will be connected with an immigration legal service provider.