Urges Calm, and to Stay Home When Possible
Local Ice Activity
Perris Mayor Michael M. Vargas took an unusual step for an elected official on Wednesday, revealing ongoing local activity by federal police, specifically Immigration and Customs Enforcement, commonly known as ICE.
A retired police sergeant himself, following a career with the Los Angeles School Police Department, Vargas issued a statement in English and Spanish and took to social media with a video statement, instructing residents to “… remain calm, stay indoors when possible, and know your rights.”
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT – ICE Activity in Perris
The City of Perris has received reports of ongoing ICE operations within the area. We urge all residents to remain calm, stay indoors when possible, and know your rights. Do not go out unless necessary. Stay at home and do not open the door to strangers. This message is for awareness and safety. The City is committed to protecting the dignity and well-being of all our residents. Please stay safe and continue to monitor official city communications.—
AVISO IMPORTANTE – Actividad de ICE en Perris
La Ciudad de Perris ha recibido noticias de que ICE está haciendo operativos en nuestra comunidad. Pedimos a todos los residentes que estén tranquilos, que se queden en casa si pueden, y que conozcan sus derechos. No salgan si no es necesario. Quédese en casa y no abra la puerta a extraños.
Este mensaje es para proteger su seguridad. La Ciudad quiere cuidar el respeto y bienestar de todosnuestros residentes. Cuídese y siga viendo los avisos oficiales de la ciudad.
Videos of what appeared to be immigration enforcement, including at least one arrest, have been seen on various social media posts. Also seen was a small peaceful protest at the corner of Perris and Nuevo Boulevards on Wednesday, and Perris Councilmember Malcolm Corona monitoring the activity.
On Thursday, council members Marisela Nava and Corona issued a joint statement that reads in part, “We are deeply disturbed and disappointed with the actions and manner of the federal agents conducting their raids in our community. Having masked individuals who are not identifying themselves, accosting and intimidating our community, does not make our residents feel safer. It also hurts our local economy as residents do not feel safe to go about their business…”
We are deeply disturbed and disappointed with the actions and manner of the federal agents conducting their raids in our community. Having masked individuals who are not identifying themselves, accosting and intimidating our community, does not make our residents feel safer. It also hurts our local economy as residents do not feel safe to go about their business. Residents often don’t know who these individuals are, and as we have seen in other states, are not who they say they are. This can also create a disconnect between the community and our own Riverside County Sheriff’s Office who have worked so hard to earn the trust of our community. This goes beyond the original stated intentions of going after violent criminals as we are now seeing actions targeted at those with no criminal past. We are also very concerned that residents are being harassed who are legal residents based on how they look, speak, or their occupation. Everyone should feel safe in their own communities, and no one should be accosted and harassed based on racial profiling. The City of Perris is committed to keeping our residents safe and ensuring that human rights are protected for everyone.
Statement from
-Council Member Marisela Nava
-Council Member Malcolm Corona
First-term council member Elizabeth Vallejo, issued a statement supporting her colleagues. “We are exploring options with our staff on how we can provide resources to our residents and inform them of their rights. … We will persevere as a community and that is what makes Perris a truly special place.”
“I support the comments from my fellow Councilmembers Corona and Nava. We are exploring options with our staff on how we can provide resources to our residents and inform them of their rights. We sincerely thank our residents for continuing to look out for one another during these challenging times. We will persevere as a community and that is what makes Perris a truly special place.”
-Councilmember Elizabeth Vallejo
For More Immigration News Visit www.zapinin.com/immigration