BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA — A surge in federal immigration arrests across California’s Central Valley is fueling accusations of voter intimidation in a closely contested congressional district where Latino voters make up a large majority of the population.
Federal immigration agents have increased operations in and around Bakersfield and nearby communities in recent weeks. Preliminary Department of Homeland Security data reviewed by Reuters showed arrests in Bakersfield climbing to nearly 10 per day in mid-October, while agents arrested at least seven people over several days in Wasco. The White House directed the enforcement surge, according to a U.S. official cited by Reuters.
The activity is occurring in California’s 22nd Congressional District, where Republican Rep. David Valadao faces Democrat Randy Villegas. Villegas called the timing a “very clear attempt” to intimidate voters, while Valadao acknowledged the fear within immigrant communities and said enforcement should focus on people who pose public-safety threats…