Bakersfield press conference in response to raids by Border Patrols

On Monday morning, the Immigration Justice Collaborative, the United Farm Workers Foundation (UFW), the Rapid Response Network, Kern ACLU, Building Healthy Communities Kern, Dolores Huerta Foundation, among many others, held a press conference in response to the Border Patrol chaos unfolding in the city of Bakersfield.

Although the Border Patrol operation lasted only three days, the organization aims to equip the community with the necessary resources and tools by hosting "Know Your Rights" town hall meetings. 

“The goal is to empower individuals to assert their constitutional rights, and we encourage them to continue strengthening and supporting our community,” said Amber Tobar, an immigration attorney and immigration and legal services director for the UFW.

The “Know your rights” sessions take place every Thursday at 5 p.m. at the UFW office location at 917 H Street, Bakersfield, CA 93304.

Tobar also took a moment to thank the State of California for its investment in legal services. But she said that much more will be needed in order to prepare for what is to come from this upcoming administration. “We need direct leadership from our elected officials, not just in Kern County but across the state, to help convene all of our communities so that we are united and prepared. This includes bringing together all sectors to keep families safe and together,” Tobar said. “It will indeed take a village, and I'm confident that we will get it done because if not us, then who?”