WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao released a statement addressing last week’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations in Kern County.

“I have been in contact with Customs and Border Protection regarding the recent immigration enforcement actions in Kern County, and I was informed these operations were focused on apprehending known criminals or those with ties to criminal organizations in our community,” said Congressman Valadao. “I have received numerous calls from constituents expressing fear for their families’ safety, and I do not support inciting concern. I think we can all agree known criminals should be expelled from the United States, but it is crucial that future operations are communicated clearly to avoid causing any further alarm among our farmworkers. I urge the Biden Administration—and future administrations—to ensure CBP prioritizes targeting criminals rather than those responsible for producing our nation’s food supply. We urgently need common sense immigration reform that creates a pathway to earned legal status for hardworking individuals contributing to our economy while ensuring the removal of those who threaten the safety of our communities, and I am looking forward to working on new legislation to combat these issues in Congress.”

###