Maria Pacheco is a self-admitted critic of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officers. She has attended several rallies supporting immigrant rights and criticizing ICE tactics.

So it came as a surprise to the Kerman mayor when she read a proclamation at the Jan. 14 Kerman City Council meeting honoring her city’s law enforcement — and immigration officers.

“That proclamation came in front of me while we were doing a swearing-in ceremony. It had language in it that I did not agree with. I’ve been very clear on where I stand,” Pacheco told GV Wire in an interview later in the week.

Kerman — a rural community of about 17,500 residents 15 miles west of Fresno — honored “National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day,” celebrated Jan. 9. The proclamation stated the day “provides an opportunity for citizens to express gratitude to all law enforcement officers for their dedication, professionalism, and service.”

The original version included the phrase “including immigration officers” among those being honored. It also specifically mentioned USCIS by name.

The version honoring immigration officers is no longer linked to the Jan. 14 agenda, having already been replaced with a “revised” proclamation. The change was made before the city formally approved the minutes, which typically occurs at the next meeting.

Pacheco is running for Fresno County supervisor in District 1. Incumbent Brian Pacheco (no relation) is running for state Assembly.

Listen to Audio of Kerman Council Meeting

The following is a brief audio clip of Mayor Maria Pacheco’s objection to including the ICE language in a city proclamation. 

Pacheco ‘Appalled’ By ICE’s Inclusion

Later in the meeting, Pacheco publicly aired her concerns, saying she could not sign such a document. The city manager admitted it was a copy-and-paste error and took responsibility.

A new proclamation was issued striking any mention of immigration officers. The city council took no formal action on the change.

“I’m just appalled that I read that out loud today. I moved forward trusting that we would be celebrating our officers nationally, together in unity. I did not expect to come across that line,” Pacheco said at the meeting.

City Manager John Jansons said he was ultimately responsible for drafting the proclamation. Including immigration agents was a mistake, he said.

“Obviously there was an error in that — a cut-and-paste job. We apologize for that,” Jansons said at the meeting, responding to Pacheco’s remarks. He said he was “aghast” when he saw the proclamation displayed on a screen inside council chambers.

Speaking later to GV Wire, Jansons said several staff members assist in preparing the agenda, but he is responsible for the final product. He said he is unsure where the source material for the proclamation originated.

During her comments requesting a revision, Pacheco mentioned the recent killing of Renee Good by ICE agents in Minnesota. She also said she has attended immigration hearings for Kerman residents.

“I read that proclamation out loud to a room full of people. I am beyond upset. Chief, I apologize. I do have to ask that your certificate be amended. I cannot let that go forward and leave this room with my signature,” Pacheco said.

Pacheco Did Not Read Proclamation Ahead of Time

Pacheco, who is also a senior field representative for Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria, D-Fresno, explained what happened.

“Unfortunately, I did not read the proclamation ahead of time. We go through a lot of proclamations, and I’ve always been able to trust my staff,” Pacheco told GV Wire.

Pacheco also said the proclamation should have honored local law enforcement and not included federal officers.

“What my city manager is telling me is that this was a copy-and-paste issue. His godfather passed away and he wasn’t in the office, so staff prepared it and copied language from somewhere — I don’t know where — and placed it in this proclamation. I absolutely do not agree with the language,” Pacheco said.

Pacheco questioned whether her run for supervisor led to increased scrutiny.

“As much as people want to put this forward, this is just misinformation. I’m in a race and I have opponents who want to run a smear. But people know me, and they know where I stand,” Pacheco said.

Councilmember Yep Reacts

Gary Yep, a Kerman city councilmember who was not present at the meeting, said he was “taken aback” by the proclamation flap.

“A lot of the proclamations aren’t voted on by the council. They’re meant to be neutral to all sides and parties. You just want to be supportive of law enforcement, whether it’s federal or state,” said Yep, who is considering his own run for supervisor.

Yep said he believes the mistake was the result of a proofreading error.

However, “It does reek of somebody running for political office,” Yep said of Pacheco’s actions.

Mike Karbassi, the Fresno City Council president who is also running for supervisor, declined to comment on the situation.

Police Chief Reacts

Pacheco issued the proclamation to Kerman Police Chief Steve Wilkins as the city simultaneously swore in new officers.

Wilkins said he did not write the proclamation, but added, “If you’re asking whether I believe immigration officers are law enforcement officers, yes, I do.”

“They’re having a hard time doing their job, and they shouldn’t be facing some of the retaliation or attacks they encounter,” Wilkins said. “However, she’s the mayor. She can put whatever she wants in her proclamation. It doesn’t matter whether I agree or disagree — she’s the one presenting it.”