The storied United Farm Workers Union, which has been advocating on behalf of farm laborers for decades, has been at the forefront of addressing the fear and trauma experienced by many of its members as crackdowns escalate to unprecedented levels.
Hours ago, ICE began a militarized crackdown on workers in the fields of Ventura County, just north of Los Angeles County.
UFW President Teresa Romero joined me to describe the situation and events as they unfold.
As many of you know, Ventura County is my hometown, and I recall being a seven-year-old boy accompanying my mother to these same fields to provide bilingual services to farm workers during some of the most contentious labor disputes of the 1970s. These conflicts, while not new to the UFW, have been elevated to an extraordinary level.
Make no mistake—terror is the objective.
There is no rational purpose for armored military vehicles and helicopters to descend upon these field workers other than to inflict fear.
Videos of children being tear-gassed and crying as their parents are detained are spreading on social media, and protesters are showing up to oppose ICE's presence.
We'll continue to update you as we learn more.
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