SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Protesters gathered at Civic Plaza in El Cajon in response to an ICE raid that took place at an East County business last week.
“Whether you’re an immigrant or not, families across the country are seeing what’s happening with these ICE raids and people are scared,” said Salvador Sarmiento, National Day Labor Organizing Network Campaign Director.
Federal agents raided San Diego Powder & Protective Coatings near El Cajon last week — where people could be seen being guided away with zip ties around their wrists and questioned by federal agents.
According to the Department of Justice, four employees now face charges, including the company’s general manager, John Washburn. He is charged with conspiracy to harbor aliens.
The three other employees are charged with using false documents to work in the U.S., which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, if convicted.
“Somebody’s parent was deported after working at the company for 18 years … all that we did was cripple that family. That’s what we did,” said Mairene Branham, Latinos En Accion president.
Concerned community members gathered Tuesday afternoon at Civic Plaza in El Cajon as concerns about deportations have been intensifying since the raid last week.
“… United States should be showing the rest of the world how democracy works, and we’re not showing it now,” said Steve Jesionka, a Spring Valley resident.
“Today (Tuesday) we’re here in front of the City Council to make sure that we uncover the truth about what the mayor in El Cajon is doing to separate more families,” Sarmiento said.
The group filed an open public records request with the City of El Cajon.
“To make sure we can uncover the truth about the city, and particularly the mayor and city council members (Phil) Ortiz and (Steve) Goble, what kind of collusion and complicity they have in these ICE operations happening to their own neighbors. What’s happening here in El Cajon, talking about whether the city is involved in Federal immigration enforcement, with family separations, that’s a huge issue of public concern and people should have information about it,” added Sarmiento.
Branham says she believes access to this information will help the people of El Cajon make informed decisions during the next election.
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