California Mayor Urges Residents to Stay Indoors Amid Increased Immigration Enforcement
Amid heightened immigration operations across Southern California, the mayor of Perris issued a public safety announcement advising residents to remain home and exercise caution. The advisory comes as federal agents intensify enforcement efforts as part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration.
The mayor, Michael Vargas, released a video message on social media titled “PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT,” urging residents to avoid unnecessary outings and refrain from opening doors to strangers. “Stay at home and do not open the door to strangers,” Vargas stated, emphasizing the message was intended for “awareness and safety.” He further assured residents that the city remains committed to protecting the well-being of all its inhabitants and encouraged them to closely monitor official city communications for updates.
In response to the mayor’s message, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security released a statement asserting that individuals not violating the law have no cause for concern. However, a senior official stated that “elected officials choosing to fearmonger by distorting reality are doing a great disservice to our country and are responsible for the nearly 700% increase in assaults on ICE officers.”
The increased enforcement activity follows weeks of ramped-up immigration operations throughout the region. The situation has also prompted religious leaders to respond to community anxieties. On Wednesday, Albert Rojas, the Bishop of the Archdiocese of San Bernardino, California, issued a letter excusing churchgoers from their obligation to attend Sunday mass, acknowledging the fear of potential ICE raids near places of worship. The bishop encouraged parishioners to explore alternative forms of spiritual practice during this period.
The unfolding situation highlights the growing tension between local authorities seeking to reassure their communities and federal agencies carrying out national immigration policy. .
This article was reported by Chelsea Hylton, a web producer for CBS Los Angeles, and an Inglewood native with a master’s degree from USC. Hylton previously worked at NBC LA, Telemundo 52, The Los Angeles Times, and KOMO 4 News in Seattle.
