A recent increase in arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Alameda County prompted a public response from Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez over the weekend.
Sanchez said her office “recognizes the fear, uncertainty, and concern” the arrests have sown in the community and she reiterated her commitment to protecting people’s “constitutional rights, safety, and dignity.”
In a news release Saturday, Sanchez reminded people that her department doesn’t cooperate with federal civil immigration enforcement efforts or honor administrative immigration warrants and that people should feel safe when reaching out to her office for law enforcement help.
“We will uphold the law, protect the constitutional rights of our community members, and serve with professionalism, integrity, and accountability,” Sanchez said. “Regardless of the challenges before us, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office will remain a dependable public safety resource for everyone.”
She also said her deputies have observed ICE activity outside of the county’s main lockup, Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, and that her office is reviewing how other sheriff’s offices in the state have responded to similar situations.
Sanchez also said she’ll be consulting with the county’s legal department “to better understand what lawful options are available to address enforcement activities in public spaces surrounding the facility.”
“We understand that maintaining contact with incarcerated loved ones is critically important and this is at the forefront as we determine next steps,” she said.
Advocacy group claims more arrests
The sheriff’s response comes in the wake of an increase in ICE enforcement activity throughout the county.
Since last week, the immigrant rights organization Alameda County Immigration Legal Education Partnership has recorded at least 10 arrests.
One was in Berkeley on Wednesday, one was outside the East County Hall of Justice in Dublin on Thursday, four were in Livermore on Thursday and four were in Oakland on Saturday.
Additionally, “volunteer verifiers” said that ICE officers were spotted at two hotels in Livermore — Hawthorn Suites and Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites.
“We encourage community members to stay alert, remain informed, and know their rights,” according to a social media post by ACILEP.
ACILEP also reported at least eight immigration arrests in Alameda County between Oct. 16 and Oct. 29.
ICE officials didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.
