ICE presence increases in Sacramento area, activists report

NorCal Resist Migra Watch observers reported an increased presence of ICE officers staying at the Home2Suites Hilton in Woodland, with an incident occurring near Empower Yolo early on Friday, Oct. 9, according to the Davis Enterprise.

Giselle Garcia, programs director at NorCal Resist, told the Enterprise that enforcement activity has increased significantly since January of last year, and likely doubled in the past week. The group has documented daily detainments in multiple counties including Sacramento since the previous Thursday.

This rise in enforcement follows a directive from the Department of Homeland Security issued two weeks ago instructing ICE to target sanctuary cities continuously, Garcia said, describing the current period as critical. However, NorCal Resist has not confirmed the authenticity of a viral 45-day plan called 'Operation Safe California.'

In response to the increased ICE activity, about 40 people protested outside the Hilton in Woodland on Tuesday, organized by Moms Against ICE, calling for the hotel to stop housing ICE agents.

Additionally, Maria Olmedo, a local business owner, has been collecting donations such as cash, gift cards, groceries, and cleaning supplies for a family affected by the incident near Empower Yolo. Olmedo emphasized the need for privacy due to the involvement of children and fear within the family.