SALINAS >> Dozens of leaders from Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties came together for a press conference Wednesday to show solidarity for the region’s immigrant communities. It was the first time leaders from the entire Monterey Bay region have united for a tri-county joint conference.

Hosted by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, the event comes after over a week of protests in Los Angeles and throughout the state and country against continued Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. As nearly one third of Monterey County residents are foreign-born, local communities are also subject to fear surrounding these raids.

“Law enforcement, leaders in education, health care, agriculture and hospitality, each of them is here today because they believe in justice, dignity and the vital role that immigrant communities play in the fabric of our society,” said Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo. “ICE operations have torn families apart and targeted immigrant workers, including farm workers. These actions are not just unjust, they are often unconstitutional, violating due process and civil rights in ways we simply cannot accept.”

Protests in L.A. kicked off earlier this month following a series of militarized ICE raids at several businesses throughout the county. President Donald Trump subsequently deployed 4,000 National Guard troops, against the wishes of L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and Gov. Newsom’s, as well as 700 Marines to monitor the protests.

Last week, Sen. Alex Padilla was forcibly detained during a press conference hosted by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

“If it can happen to a U.S. senator, it certainly can happen to any one of us,” said Alejo. “And that’s why we’re here, to speak with one voice, to reaffirm our commitment to civil rights and to ensure that our immigrant communities know that we will not abandon them.”

Over 60,000 undocumented residents live in Monterey and San Benito counties, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. Many of these residents in the region work in the agriculture, hospitality and health care sectors.

“What we’re asking now is that our federal partners do the work, specifically to pass comprehensive immigration reform today,” said Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez. “That is the only path out of this cycle we’re stuck in where we point, where we blame and where we accuse.”

Natividad Hospital CEO Chad Harris spoke Wednesday and reminded the public that the local health system is committed to privacy and personal information is protected. Local hospitals also provide telehealth visits so appointments do not need to be cancelled if there is a fear of coming in person.

Santa Cruz County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez highlighted recent resolutions made by his board condemning military force against civilian communities as well as affirming the constitutional rights of legal and undocumented residents.

“These resolutions protect our values that everyone, regardless of immigration status or background, deserve to live without fear of militarized enforcement (and) without fear of violations of their rights,” said Hernandez. A veteran, Hernandez condemned what he called “unnecessary, inflammatory and extensive” enforcement tactics in L.A.

“We are resilient, we will survive this administration, and we must keep pushing for permanent pathways to citizenship,” said Hernandez. “Today, I’m grateful that our communities are here standing up together, and I hope that our united voices can help turn this tide of tyranny.”

In Seaside, students have skipped class and workers have stayed home out of fear of being detained, said Seaside Mayor Ian Oglesby.

“From the Peninsula hotels to the South County farms, immigrants are paying taxes, creating jobs and adding to our rich cultural shared living,” said Oglesby. “… our rights are tied together. If any of us is denied due process, none of us can claim to have it.”

Sheriffs from the three counties were all together, also for the first time, to jointly address the Sheriff’s Office role during immigration raids. They reaffirmed that local police do not enforce any federal immigration laws and instead remain focused on public safety.

San Benito County Sheriff Eric Taylor did clarify that his department will only cooperate in the removal of violent, dangerous criminals from communities if asked to step in. If presented with judicial warrants, not ICE warrants, the San Benito Sheriff’s office will also cooperate.

“We do not initiate or participate in immigration enforcement, that is across the board for the entire state,” said Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto. “That is the responsibility of the federal government … our focus is in preventing harm, solving crimes and strengthening community relationships.”

Many speakers pointed to a variety of resources available to their communities including mental health services, legal advice and “know your rights” forums.

“The fear our families are living under is intense and absolutely unjust,” said Watsonville Law Center Executive Director Adriana Melgoza in Spanish. “Our immigrant neighbors are… the agricultural workers that feed this country, the small business owners that support lives in our cities, the students who dream big, the parents who sacrifice everything for their children’s futures. They are us.

“Let’s call this what it is,” said Melgoza. “This is a direct attack on our communities and justice.”

A full list of immigration resources throughout Monterey County can be found at https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/government/departments-a-h/administrative-office/intergovernmental-and-legislative-affairs/know-your-rights.