BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Border Patrol operations continue to ramp up all over town, and Wednesday afternoon, we’re learning more on what agents are after.
While we’re still awaiting a full, official statement from Border Patrol as of airtime, 17’s Jenny Huh spoke with one agent on-the-ground who said it’s not a widespread roundup.
Agents are after specific individuals.
From traffic stops on Highway 58 to raids at the Chevron on Merle Haggard and Seven Standard — known as a popular hub for farm workers — Border Patrol agents are out in full force.
17 News confirmed an ongoing operation in Kern by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol — CBP.
Border Patrol said it is a CBP-only operation.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement — ICE, a separate branch of the Department of Homeland security — is not involved.
Border Patrol declined to answer how long the operation will last but said agents are stationed in Bakersfield.
17 News asked Border Patrol who the targets are, and if the immigrant community as a whole should be concerned.
Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David Kim answered that BP is not targeting farms, ranches or the like and that the agency has identified a certain number of specific targets — though he declined to disclose for what.
But part of it, Kim said, is for narcotics enforcement.
Could Bakersfield see wind-driven urban fires like those in LA County now? Absolutely
And on social media, Border Patrol posted they’ve arrested two child rapists on the first day of operations.
Another CBP spokesperson told 17 News, “The U.S. Border Patrol conducts targeted enforcement arrests of individuals involved in smuggling throughout our areas of operation as part of our efforts to dismantle transnational criminal organizations.”
17 News also asked about agents’ encounters with those not on their radar, as there have been concerns over racial profiling.
Agent Kim responded that agents were and have been and will be doing such ‘consensual encounters’ but declined to discuss why or how they may approach certain people.
He detailed agents may just happen to be at a spot and engage in a conversation with folks, which can lead to a detainment or arrest.
He said those arrested are sent to CBP’s El Centro sector headquarter in the city of Imperial.
Some of Kern County’s lawmakers are weighing in as well, with messages for their constituents.