Farmworkers stay home after Customs sweeps, arrests

U.S. Customs and Border Protection launched "Operation Return to Sender" last week in the Bakersfield area, including Wasco, sending a wave of fear among immigrants and farm workers. "They are terrorizing our communities, as among those targeted during random stops and raids have been essential workers who help sustain our food system," said Irene De Barraicua, director of policy and communications for Líderes Campesinas, a farm worker support organization.

The operation took place over three days, with more than 60 agents in marked and unmarked vehicles deployed throughout Kern County, leading to 78 arrests. "While they {the California Border Patrol El Centro Sector] claim they are pursuing criminals such as rapists and drug smugglers as part of a special operation, several first-hand accounts are proving otherwise that they are targeting businesses where day laborers and field workers gather."

Estela Martinez lives in Shafter but works in Wasco at Mormon Farms, which grows almonds. She is a "mayordoma" and oversees the farm workers on her team and ensuring daily operations run smoothly on the farm. The day after the immigration sweeps were launched, she reported that of the 20 farm workers who usually show up for work, only three to four came. "They are seeing the 'migra' [CBP] coming after the farm workers, and they are not coming to work because they are afraid."

She said that two farm workers on a colleague's team, driving on Highway 99 by the Famoso exit in Wasco, were pulled over and detained at 5:30 a.m. on their way to work by CBP agents in an unmarked vehicle. They were deported to Mexico on the same day. Martinez stated that agents patrolled up and down Highway 46 and at the Chevron gas station on Highway 46 and Highway 43. "They patrol during hours they know people are going to work or getting off work. To help us, those with 'papeles' (documents) are driving home first for us and letting us know what routes are safe to take home to avoid them."

Martinez said the farm owner understands that his crop is at risk without workers. "I've called the workers to try to get them to come. He understands and is not angry. He can't obligate them to return." She points to the backbreaking work they do on the farm. "If they deport us all, who is going to do these jobs? Who is going to feed the nation?"

With workers staying home, they are feeling the economic ramifications. "This is the third week of not working, with the prior two weeks off due to the Christmas and New Year's holidays." Added to that is the fear of leaving their homes, even to go to the grocery store. "Some are running out of food, and this community can't collect unemployment or other benefits to supplement income."

Yesenia Acosta, a farmworker who came to the United States from Mexico, left her roots and culture for an unknown country, leaving everything behind so that her children could have a better future than she did. "To dream is not a crime, and please, don't clip our wings. Why don't they just let us work? We pay taxes. We are hard-working people. We've come here to move forward, and our children join the military. Have you forgotten that during COVID, we were essential workers? We ask for your solidarity. Remember, it's us who harvest the crops. We're not criminals. We bring food to your table."

De Barraicua noted that the operation has significantly impacted the local economy in just one week, particularly small businesses that rely on farmworkers and farms themselves. "But what they can't detain is the morale of the community, which is determined to know and fight for their rights."

On Friday, over 600 people, including attorneys, advocates and community members, gathered at a protest in Bakersfield to express their support for the farmworkers.