Key facts
- ICE operations in California's Central Valley have increased, causing fear in Latino communities.
- The operations have led to allegations of voter intimidation in a toss-up House race.
- Hundreds of farmworkers may have been detained in recent weeks.
- The DHS and ICE declined to comment on the California operations.
- A brother and sister arrested in Kern County had no criminal records and legal work authorization.
Federal immigration agents have increased operations across California's Central Valley, leading to widespread fear in Latino communities and accusations of voter intimidation. The surge, directed by the White House, has involved small groups of officers moving between towns in the agricultural region. The United Farm Workers union reported hundreds of farmworkers detained in recent weeks, with arrests in Bakersfield jumping significantly in mid-October. These actions could impact the closely contested race in California's 22nd congressional district, where polls show a slight edge for Democrat Randy Villegas over Republican incumbent David Valadao. Villegas criticized the arrests as an attempt to intimidate voters, while Valadao urged the Trump administration to focus on public safety threats. The DHS declined to comment on the operations.