Group stands up for undocumented immigrants in Coachella

President Donald Trump’s series of actions aimed regarding immigration has some people on high alert. “I am afraid, but fear either makes us quit or go stronger and I feel that that’s what it has done for me and our community and all our people,” said Samantha Yanez, a DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient and TODEC (Training Occupation Development Educating Communities) member. Thursday morning civil-rights activists gathered in Coachella, a city that has confirmed sanctuary-like operations. “The message today is, despite the division administered by the new administration, California’s principles in protecting our undocumented folks are as strong as ever,” said Erick Lemus with the California Partnership, an economic justice coalition. Palm Springs Police Chief Bryan Reyes says local officers don’t ask about citizenship status, have not for 36 years, and do not plan on changing that. “The president has made comment in regards to deportation of up to 2 million people, but we need to keep in mind that ICE has 5,000 agents for the entire country. So it’s quite a task to have 5,000 agents to address 2 million people. So I can see the administration try to get cooperation from local jurisdiction, but most chiefs believe that is a federal responsibility not a local police responsibility,” Reyes said. But people in support of Trump are urging patience. “I think people need to stop, take a pause, and let him do his job. Just because he writes an executive order doesn’t mean it’s happening right this minute. It starts a process,” one person said.

KESQ News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 spoke to Sheriff Stan Sniff and city officials on Wednesday to hear their stances on proposed federal immigration enforcement in the Coachella Valley.

The coalition is making statements on its decision to stand in solidarity with undocumented communities.

KESQ News Channel 3’s Jeremy Chen spoke to organizers of the event. They said they joined together to express that they will help anyone, especially those who are undocumented that could be affected by President Trump’s executive orders.

Some of those who spoke at the event said President Trump’s policies aren’t the American way and that undocumented immigrants provide a valuable boost to the economy in agriculture and hospitality in the Coachella Valley.

Organizers had a sculpture of Donald Trump at the gathering that had the words ‘racism’, ‘hate’, and ‘fascism’ written on it.

Coachella Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia released a statement about President Trump’s executive orders on Thursday:

“President Trump’s actions threaten the safety of residents in my district and the core values of our nation and state. I am proud to represent a border community and areas with large populations of immigrants. This executive order does not make us safer in fact it risks the separation of families and will greatly jeopardize our workforce, commerce and the overall economy. This week, Governor Brown reminded us of the vital role of immigrants in the narrative and development of California. I implore the federal government to heed that message and protect the right to dignity and due process. Diversity is our identity and our great strength.”

News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2’s Lauren Coronado is getting more reaction from Coachella Valley residents, as many stand in opposition to the executive orders, and others support stronger measures for protecting our border.

You can see Coronado’s full story on KESQ News Channel 3 at 6 p.m. and on CBS Local 2 at 6:30 p.m.

Jeremy Chen’s 12PM live report: