Rapid Response Network confirms ICE activity in San Jose
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KTVU) - Agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were reportedly spotted in San Jose Sunday, according to a tip received by the Rapid Response Network of Santa Clara County's hotline.
The group said they received a tip about agents spotted outside a residence on South White Road and Tully Road in San Jose and agents behind a Target on King and Story Roads.
Rapid Response Network said their team responded and tracked the officers from the home on South White Road.
Officials with the organization said they didn't see anyone being detained based on the agents' actions and what their workers present heard. Still, they said instead it appeared that the ICE agents were conducting operations enforcing deportation orders targeting specific people.
"We urge our community to stay safe and remain vigilant," Rapid Response Network said. "Your safety is our priority… Our responders are ready to support and protect our community."
As of 3:30 p.m., ICE agents were reportedly no longer in the area of King and Story Roads, according to the group.
The San Jose Police Department said they had no information to add about ICE's presence in the city.
Additionally, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said they are aware of ICE activity in the area, saying in part, "Our police department was notified today that ICE is carrying out an operation in San Jose…I sincerely hope that ICE remains focused on enforcement actions related to violent and serious criminals harming our city, not neighbors who are contributing and law-abiding members of our community."
The mayor's office said the police department does not assist or participate in ICE operations whatsoever.
"They didn’t stop anybody who was just walking by, they didn’t detain me. But unfortunately, knowing what has happened in the past, knowing what has happened today, doesn’t stop the fear and panic that exists in all our immigrant families," said Socorro Montano, a lead dispatcher with Rapid Response Network Santa Clara County.
"Immigrant communities and organizations that support immigrant communities have been sharing information about what to do if agents come to the neighborhood, if they see something happening, reminding people of their rights," said Melissa Michelson, Menlo College Political Science Professor.
The new Trump Administration pledged to crack down on undocumented immigrants. ICE reports that on January 26th, they’ve made 956 arrests and detained 554 people across the country.
"So, what I want us to take away from today is that Santa Clara County is strong. San Jose’s community stands together to protect our community," said Montano.
KTVU contacted ICE but did not hear back in time of publication.
What you can do:
For more information and assistance, residents can call the Rapid Response Network hotline at (408) 290-1144.
In addition, the California Immigrant Policy Center compiled a list of "rapid response networks," which are community-based organizations that respond to emergencies such as immigration enforcement, throughout the state.
Northern California
Sacramento Rapid Response Network – Hotline: 916-382-0256, Centro del Pueblo Rapid Response Network (Humboldt County) 707-200-8091
Bay Area
Alameda County Immigration Legal Education Partnership hotline is coming soon. Current option for reporting immigration enforcement activity: Centro Legal de la Raza (510) 437-1554
North Bay Rapid Response Network (Sonoma, Napa & Solano Counties) – Hotline: 707- 800-4544
San Francisco Rapid Response Network – Hotline: 415-200-1548
San Mateo County Rapid Response Network – Hotline: 203-666-4472
Santa Clara County Rapid Response Network – Hotline: 408-290-1144
Stand Together Contra Costa – Hotline: 925-900-5151
Central Coast & Central Valley
Kern County Rapid Response Network – Hotline: 661-432-2330
Santa Cruz County Your Allied Rapid Response Network & Pajaro Valley Rapid Response – Hotline: 831-239-4289
Southern Central Coast Rapid Response Network (Santa Barbara, Ventura & San Luis Obispo Counties) – Hotline: (805) 870-8855
Valley Watch Rapid Response Network (Fresno, San Joaquin, Merced, Stanislaus, and Kern Counties) – 559-206-0151
Southern California
Long Beach Community Defense Network – Hotline: 562-276-0267
Los Angeles Raids and Rapid Response Network – Hotline: 888-624-4752
Orange County Rapid Response Network – Hotline: 714-881-1558, Email: casereferral@ocrapidresponse.org
(San Bernardino & Riverside Counties) Inland Coalition For Immigrant Justice’s Resource – Hotline: 909-361-4588
San Diego
(North County San Diego) Alianza Comunitaria – Text Alerts for Checkpoints: Envía "Alianza" al 33733 para español / Send "Alianza2" to 33733 for English
San Diego Rapid Response Network – Hotline: 619-536-0823
