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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested an individual near the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin on Oct. 25, according to the Alameda County Immigrant Legal and Education Partnership (ACILEP). The arrest came about a week before ICE agents and vehicles were reportedly spotted at a nearby hotel in Pleasanton.
Dublin Mayor Sherry Hu told the Weekly on Monday that the city was aware of the recent reports of “federal immigration enforcement activity in our community” and reiterated that neither the city nor Dublin Police Services were notified of or involved in the reported actions.
“Under California law, Dublin Police Services does not enforce federal civil immigration law or ask about anyone’s immigration status,” Hu said. “Our officers’ job is public safety for everyone who lives in, works in or visits Dublin, and that has not changed.”
“We understand these events can cause fear and uncertainty for many families,” she added. “Anyone who needs help, or who has been the victim of a crime, should feel safe calling Dublin Police Services.”
ICE officials had not respond to a request for comment as of publication.
According to a Saturday post from the county rapid response network, the organization was notified of an arrest near Santa Rita Jail about 8 a.m. Oct. 25. The person who was arrested has not been identified.Â
No additional arrests or related ICE activity has been reported in connection with the incident, according to the network.
“ACILEP is working to connect the detained individual with legal services,” the organization stated in an Oct. 31 post. “We encourage our community to stay alert, know their rights and continue sharing verified information.”
The arrest came amid reports of an uptick in recent ICE activity throughout Alameda County. Just one week later, ICE personnel and several vehicles associated with the agency were seen at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Pleasanton, according to an Oct. 31 community report from the rapid response network.
“Their presence at this location does not necessarily mean immigration enforcement activity is taking place nearby. We are sharing this information to keep our community informed and alert,” ACILEP stated. “For everyone’s safety, please do not approach, follow or confront officers or their vehicles. If you witness suspected ICE activity, observe from a safe distance and report what you see.”
The San Francisco Bay Area Independent Media Center (Indybay), an online network of independent media outlets, shared information about protests held over the weekend in response to the reports that ICE agents who were staying at the hotel.
“ICE agents began arriving at the Residence Inn last week as part of a 45-day ICE surge,” according to a flyer connected to the weekend protests.
The flyer also referenced five vehicles that ACILEP had identified as being associated with ICE, claiming those same vehicles had been spotted at other nearby incidents involving ICE agents.
“We are concerned community members, and we’re here because ICE cannot be allowed to terrorize our community with impunity,” the Oct. 31 flyer stated. “We’re also worried about the danger ICE poses to hotel staff and residents. We will be here watching, until ICE leaves the hotel.”
It remains unclear whether ICE agents are still at the hotel. As of Monday afternoon, Pleasanton city officials and the Marriott had not responded to emailed inquiries.
