Residents feel “better, but not much better” after Salinas’ immigration forum

UPDATE 02/23/17 10:29 p.m.: Rocking their kids in their arms, some parents are already thinking about what would happen if one day, they are forced to separate.

“I’m not sure if I go right now to my job, I’m not sure if I come back to my family,” said Salinas resident Marco Sotelo.

That’s one of the many questions on Sotelo and others’ minds at Thursday night’s immigration forum. They have questions about whether the sheriff’s office cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and what they should do if ICE officers stop farm workers on their way to the bus stop?

More than 500 packed the auditorium at Jesse G Sanchez Elementary Thursday to hear where officials stand on immigration. This comes just two days after the city council voted down a resolution that reaffirmed its position to protect the immigrant community and not cooperate with ICE.

Sotelo has been living in the U.S. for 17 years without legal documents and he said he’s never been this scared.

“Really, no,” Sotelo said. “This is the first time I see this situation right here.”

Salinas Police Chief Adele Frese reassured the community the job of police is to protect the residents, and they won’t cooperate with ICE.

“My message is very direct, and very simple. We do not enforce immigration law,” Frese said.

And even though there is a desk at the Monterey County Jail for an ICE representative, the sheriff’s office said deputies are only involved when it comes to convicted criminals.

The words are a start for Sotelo.

“We are better,” Sotelo said. “Not much better, but better,” Sotelo said.

But he’ll still be looking over his shoulder.

“I check every day my car, my lights and my stuff. I try to (not) do anything with the police or the sheriff,” Sotelo said.

The Alisal Union School District has also declared itself as a safe haven for students. It reassures parents that their children will get an education, no matter their immigration status.

PREVIOUS STORY: City officials said a free immigration forum will be held at Jesse G. Sanchez School in Salinas on Thursday at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The panel will include Chief of Police Adele Frese, Alisal Union School District Superintendent Hector Rico, Alina Reyna, aide to Assembly member Ana Caballero and other city leaders.

Residents are invited to bring their questions.

City officials said the forum will be held in Spanish with English translation available.