In a significant development for the Bay Area, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee released a press statement today regarding the status of Border Patrol operations in the region. Mayor Lee has been informed by Alameda County Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez that, “Border Patrol operations are cancelled for the greater Bay Area — which includes Oakland — at this time.” This announcement brings relief to many residents concerned about potential immigration enforcement in their communities.
Following Mayor Lee's statement, Sgt. Roberto Morales, a spokesperson for the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed that the federal government’s planned surge operation targeting Oakland and the broader Bay Area will not proceed at this time. While the specifics of what Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had planned remain unclear, it was reported that the Trump administration had ordered a surge operation aimed at San Francisco and potentially other areas of the Bay Area, set to commence on Saturday.
On Thursday, a caravan of CBP agents was seen entering Coast Guard Island, a base located in the Oakland Estuary. The Coast Guard had previously announced that their facilities would support CBP for an ongoing “operation.” This has raised concerns among local residents regarding federal immigration enforcement and its implications for the community.
In response to the potential operations, protesters gathered at the entrance of Coast Guard Island throughout Thursday. They organized a march, a picket, and a faith vigil to voice their opposition to any immigration crackdown. The collective action highlighted the community's resistance against federal immigration enforcement and their desire for a more compassionate approach to immigration policies.
While Sheriff Sanchez issued a video statement earlier today emphasizing that her office does not coordinate with federal agents to enforce immigration laws, she noted the limitations of local law enforcement. “It’s important to remember that federal agencies like ICE carry out their own law enforcement operations. The sheriff’s office cannot interfere with those actions,” she stated. This distinction underscores the ongoing tensions between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement.
This story is still developing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The situation remains fluid, and residents are encouraged to stay informed about any changes regarding Border Patrol operations and local law enforcement responses in the Bay Area.
The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story.
