Update at 1:52 p.m. on Jan. 13, 2025

After this story was posted, Mayor Jerry Dyer made this statement to the media:

“I completely understand the concerns raised by members of our community about immigration-related issues as well as the protest at River Park on Sunday. I want to make it clear that the City of Fresno is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all of our residents.

As a city, we do not participate in or enforce federal immigration matters. That is the role of the federal government. Our priority is to build trust within our diverse community and ensure everyone feels valued, safe and supported, regardless of their immigration status.

The Fresno Police Department’s primary focus is to keep the community safe, respond to calls for service, and to earn the trust of those we serve.

We respect the right of individuals to peacefully protest and express their concerns, but to do so without endangering the public.

I encourage all participants to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue as we work together toward solutions that benefit our entire community.”

Original Story

Fresno’s immigrant community is grappling with heightened fear and uncertainty amid reports of escalating federal immigration enforcement sweeps.

On Sunday, hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Blackstone and Nees avenues to protest deportations, waving the national flag of Mexico and drawing support from honking drivers and others who joined with their own signs.

Supervisor Luis Chavez Shares Concerns for Families and Children

The protest followed a Saturday news conference organized in part by Fresno County Supervisor Luis Chavez. Leaders in attendance stressed the need for local law enforcement to steer clear of federal immigration actions.

Chavez highlighted the devastating impact of broad enforcement measures, particularly on families and children.

“Two parents work at one of the food processing plants in my district, and they actually made a plan to factor in if one of them got picked up or, God forbid, both of them got picked up,” Chavez said. “At the end of the day, it’s about people and it’s about working men and women and children that this affects.”

Chavez also expressed concern over the potential for parents to be taken, leaving their children without a home.

Following speeches from federal, state, and local officials Saturday, Chavez praised the opportunity for the community to voice their concerns.

“The space for the community to weigh in was great,” he said.

Related Story: Fresno Protesters Flood Streets, Demand End to Deportations

Chavez: Immigration Agencies Should Adopt a Targeted Approach

Local leaders are urging federal immigration agencies to adopt a more targeted approach to enforcement, avoiding actions that create widespread fear and economic disruption. Chavez noted rising absenteeism at food processing plants, packing houses, and farms as workers fear deportation. Children are also being kept home from school under similar concerns, he said.

When asked about possible actions by Fresno County supervisors, Chavez pointed to Senate Bill 54, the California Values Act. The 2017 state law limits state and local law enforcement agencies from using resources to assist federal immigration enforcement, except in cases involving violent offenders. Often called a “sanctuary law,” the act aligns with sanctuary jurisdiction policies.

While supporting efforts to arrest individuals who have committed serious crimes, Chavez criticized sweeping enforcement tactics, calling on federal officers to focus on known offenders rather than creating fear in public spaces.

“They don’t (need to) set up checkpoints. They don’t (need to) go into gas stations or restaurants and create the fear that is very much real,” Chavez said.

Fresno Councilmember Supports Protests, Cautions Against Disruptions

Fresno City Councilmember Nick Richardson, whose district includes Riverpark, addressed recent immigration protests in a statement to GV Wire, acknowledging the emotional toll of deportation and its impact on families.

“I understand that immigration/deportation are significantly emotional processes and can often change the trajectory of someone’s life, as well as their family’s,” Richardson said.

While voicing support for residents exercising their constitutional rights to free expression, assembly, and speech, Richardson urged protesters to consider alternative approaches.

“I believe that appealing to the decision-makers behind state and federal policies may be a more effective way to produce a compromise they can agree with,” he said.

Richardson also cautioned against actions that disrupt public safety.

“Making any part of our city less safe by creating issues for law enforcement, commuters, and other protesters during demonstrations is counterproductive to peace and against the law,” he said.

Organizers plan to have another protest on Jan. 20 at 9 a.m. at Blackstone and Nees avenues.

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