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Week-long ICE raids sweep California's Central Valley, farmworkers detained

Farmworkers and other residents across California's Central Valley faced a week of warrantless detentions at gas stations, bakeries, and homes, including a man with legal status detained while cutting his lawn. Families are now afraid to send children to school.

Oct 13, 2026Fresno, CA

Week-long ICE raids sweep California's Central Valley, farmworkers detained
Photo via SF Gate

Federal immigration agents conducted a week-long surge of warrantless detentions across California's Central Valley, targeting gas stations, Mexican bakeries, and residential areas as farmworkers started their day, according to local advocates and officials. Fresno city councilmember Miguel Arias said one constituent with no criminal record and legal status was detained while cutting his own lawn, and Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer condemned a video showing agents arresting a man in front of his screaming children. A nonprofit manager said the operation, which she called the largest in years, is targeting anyone who 'looks Hispanic,' leaving families afraid to send their children to school. The raids came amid a contested congressional race in California's 22nd District, with local Democrats alleging the enforcement surge is intended to suppress Latino voter turnout.

“Every single one of them is a life separated from their family and a family torn apart.”
— Alfred Aldrete
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