MOCO holds community meeting about ICE agents working at jail

More than 100 people crowed the San Pablo Apostol Church in Seaside Thursday, concerned and looking for answers after the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office announced that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will work out of the jail.

“We are scared. Our people is scared. We don’t know exactly what they’re going to do,” said community member Martin Juarez.

Juarez is one of many immigrants unsure about the Priority Enforcement program run by ICE, which allows federal agents to detain dangerous criminals who are illegal immigrantsbefore they get released.

“In our city there are a lot immigrants who, for one reason or another, do not have any documentation for this country. So it’s important for them to know exactly what’s going to be their role if they have any issue in the future,” said Juarez.

Sheriff Steve Bernal addressed the group first by saying his job involves public safety, not to enforce immigration.

“When a deputy pulls you over, he will never ask your immigration status,” said Bernal.

Since late summer, more than 100 inmates with criminal convictions have been detained by ICE.It’s a trend Bernal said keeps all people safe, citizens or not.

“I think it’s important to have meetings like this so that people can come together and get information and give feedback and really make sure that we understand what’s going on,” said County Supervisor Jane Parker.

And build trust, which Juarez said is essential to moving forward.

“The main thing is we start to have a good relationship with them,” said Juarez.