The mayor of Oakland, Barbara Lee, announced today that the planned surge operation by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the East Bay has been canceled. Alameda County Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez confirmed this decision, indicating that operations would not occur in Oakland or surrounding areas at this time.
Details on the Cancellation of CBP Surge Operation
Spokesperson Sgt. Roberto Morales of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office affirmed the cancellation of the federal government’s surge operation, which was initially set to target parts of San Francisco and potentially the broader Bay Area.
Background on the Surge Operation
Details regarding the scope of the planned CBP operation remained largely unspecified. However, reports indicated it was scheduled to commence this Saturday, following directives from the Trump administration. On Thursday, sightings of CBP agents arriving at Coast Guard Island, located in the Oakland Estuary, raised concerns among local residents.
Community Response
- Protesters organized demonstrations at Coast Guard Island, expressing opposition to the potential immigration crackdown.
- Participants engaged in a march, a picket, and a faith vigil throughout the day.
Later in the day, President Trump announced via social media that he was pausing federal surge operations in San Francisco, leaving many in Oakland and other East Bay communities uncertain about their status.
Local Authorities’ Stance
Sheriff Sanchez also released a video statement during which she emphasized that her office does not coordinate with federal agencies to enforce immigration policies. However, she noted, “it’s important to remember that federal agencies like ICE conduct their own law enforcement operations,” stressing that local law enforcement cannot interfere with these actions.
This situation remains fluid, and updates are expected as developments unfold in the coming days. Residents and local officials continue to seek clarity regarding the intended actions of federal immigration authorities in Oakland and the East Bay.
