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By Isaac González Díaz
Before taking office, President Donald Trump promised to transform immigration policies that will affect thousands of undocumented people around the United States. And he was swift to act on his promises.
Like many immigration observers, Salinas attorney Blanca Zarazua, who also serves as honorary Consul of Mexico, predicted Trump directives would bring chaos to the community.
The orders “affect the source of labor and they are going to cause disturbances in businesses, in homes, in all that. There are going to be moments of adjustment, of having to modify daily life a little,” she said.
Before Trump took office, many in Monterey County began to prepare the community for what was to come.
In Salinas, the Watsonville Law Center and Building Healthy Communities hosted a community forum at Jesse Sánchez Elementary School on Dec. 17 to inform residents about their rights. Adriana Melgoza, executive director of the Watsonville Law Center, advised participants to prepare in case of imminent deportation; to learn about their rights; and where and how to report abuses.
“We came to be informed and to learn what to do in case of emergency, to learn how to keep our children safe and to know how to act in case something happens to us. It does not necessarily have to be this kind of situation, but it’s important to have a plan B,” said Maria Velázquez, one of the participants in the event.
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Photo: Isaac González Díaz
Salinas and Monterey County officials held a press conference on Jan. 15 to reiterate their commitment to protect immigrants’ rights. Among the speakers were supervisors Luis Alejo, Kate Daniels, and Christopher Lopez; also participating were Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue, Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto, Mexican General Consul Alejandra Bologna, Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Deneen Guss, and Norm Groot, executive director of the Monterey County Farm Bureau.
“We come here together because we all share concern about what lies ahead for our immigrant workers and families across our county and across our nation, and the wide impacts that it will have on their lives, our economy, our workforce, public safety and many other aspects of our lives as the new administration transitions,” Alejo said.
“It is essential to reassure our immigrant workers and families that we will do all possible to safeguard their rights, stand with them and do all possible to provide a better life for them here in our county.”
During the first Trump administration,1,960,873 people were apprehended as they tried to come into the United States from Mexico, according to U.S Customs and Border Protection.
In the face of those facts, the Mexican government has also been getting ready for the new Trump administration. An “emergency app” was released in December to assist Mexican nationals who are facing deportation.
“The call center is already working 24/7,” said Juan Ramon de la Fuente, Minister of Foreign Affairs, at a press conference in late December.
More Know Your Rights events are coming.
Feb.12: Resource Fair, 5-6 p.m., Presentation: 6-7:30 p.m. Alisal High School, 777 Williams Road, Salinas
Feb. 19: Resource Fair, 5-6 p.m., Presentation: 6-7:30 p.m. Vista Verde Middle School, 1199 Elm Ave., Greenfield.
March 6: Resource Fair, 5-6 p.m., Presentation: 6-7:30 p.m. Pájaro Middle School Gym, 250 Salinas Road, Pájaro.
March 19: Resource Fair, 5-6 p.m., Presentation: 6-7:30 p.m. Seaside High School, 2200 Noche Buena St., Seaside.
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Photo: Isaac González Díaz
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