Swap meet vendors say Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias’ comments about an immigration raid that never occurred cost them business.

Now, they want the council to sanction their colleague while also calling for Arias to resign.

During the June 12 council meeting, Arias said from the dais that a “massive immigration raid” would take place at the Cherry Avenue Auction that weekend.

“So I would advise our immigrant community that they should stay away from the Cherry Auction this weekend, as they would put themselves and their families in the most vulnerable position to be picked up and taken out of the country without due process, as has been clearly documented in our state,” Arias said.

No raid took place, and operators of the swap meet have since said that business has fallen off.

Vendors Want Action

Susana Osuna, a vendor, delivered 46 signed letters to City Hall, KMPH reported.

“We are asking Mr. Arias to be legally compelled to make a public apology and to acknowledge that he never had any information that ICE was going to execute a raid, or legally compelled to publicly reveal his source who told him they would. Also, we are asking that Mr. Arias receive some kind of sanction from the City of Fresno for his abuse of power, because he sees himself as being immune from responsibility for the harm that he has caused,” stated the letter, which was obtained by GV Wire.

The vendors compared Arias’ comments to yelling “fire” in a theater.

“He has ‘burned’ our community with irreparable financial damage. Due to his reckless statements, it will take weeks, if not months, to repair the damage his announcement has created,” the letter said.

Osuna’s letter had an additional demand.

“As leader of these constituents, we officially ask for Mr. Arias’ resignation,” Osuna said. She said that the rest of the vendors support the call.

Arias Responds, Points Finger at Trump

In a text message response, Arias said vendors should be sensitive to their customers.

“Blaming the messenger only distracts from the real culprit behind the mass deportation raids — President Donald J. Trump. I encourage everyone in our community to report any immigration raid activity, as this is essential for ensuring our collective safety,” Arias said.

“I urge businesses — especially those owned by Trump supporters who are feeling the impact of the fear generated by these statewide raids — to call on the president to put an end to these inhumane and illegal actions,” Arias said.

Arias referred to Neil Burson, owner of the Cherry Avenue Auction, which is just outside city limits. Burson contributed $1,041 to the Trump National Committee in 2024, according to FEC records. He has a history of contributions to other conservative candidates.

“In the meantime, businesses that benefit and depend on the hard-earned money of our undocumented residents should inform their customers about the precautions they are taking to protect our community from these raids,” Arias said. “If businesses fail to ensure the safety of their customers from illegal immigration raids, for our safety, we will be compelled to spend our money elsewhere.”

Arias did not answer a follow-up question about how much he knew of a raid ahead of his statement from the dais.

Arias said only one letter called for his removal.

“That person doesn’t live in my district,” he said of Osuna, who lives in Madera.

Sanctions Unlikely

Fresno City Council President Mike Karbassi said any sanction is unlikely. He said he is “carefully reviewing” the letter.

“To be clear, these statements were made by Council Vice President Arias during a public meeting, which is within his First Amendment rights. The City Council does not hold the authority to compel a member to submit their resignation,” Karbassi said.

Karbassi suggested the vendors contact Arias directly.

“I understand the frustration expressed in the letter, but it is best that the parties work it out amongst themselves. This is not a matter for the entire City Council. We need to stay focused on ensuring we fix Fresno’s roads, build more housing and ensure the public’s safety,” he said.

Councilmember Nelson Esparza acknowledged the letter.

“While I understand the frustrations of the vendors, we need to zoom out to look at the bigger picture. This is an environment created by the cruel and unpredictable actions of the federal administration. They’ve created fear, division, and a negative impact to our local economy,” Esparza said.

Read the Letter