COACHELLA – Supervisor V. Manuel Perez is appalled and concerned by the ongoing ICE agents’ overreaching and fear mongering gestapo tactics used against citizens, hard working immigrants, families and students in our shopping centers, places of work, schools and communities.

Furthermore, upon learning of the potential “walk outs” set for tomorrow by our Coachella Valley students and nationwide, Supervisor Perez requests that they nonviolently make their voices heard.

Protests have surged in frequency and outrage after the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota and several other deaths of individuals in ICE custody. Supervisor Perez plans to join students protesting ICE actions tomorrow.

“The tactics that we have seen by ICE agents are unconscionable, breaks the community’s trust and that hurts everyone,” said Supervisor Perez. “Communities terrorized based on the color of their skin, and it’s not only happening in Minnesota. We are experiencing it here in the Coachella Valley too.”

Last year, Supervisor Perez with Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez and the support of fellow Supervisors took steps to protect immigrant residents and local community and economic well-being from the threat of raids and mass deportations. The Supervisors passed a resolution emphasizing that Riverside County is a “safe, vibrant and inclusive community for immigrants.”

“Everybody should be protected, especially those individuals who are here because they want a better future for themselves and their families,” said then-Board Chairman Perez. “They’re working hard every day, paying their taxes, giving back to society one way or another.”

Riverside County remains dedicated to providing access and eligible services to the community irrespective of immigration status.