SANGER (KMJ) — Local supporters of immigration reform – say they want to counter the fear with the facts.
Religious leaders, representatives from ag groups, and law enforcement, came together Thursday morning for a round-table discussion inside Sanger’s Tabernacle of Praise Christian Center to examine the situation for those in the country illegally. They also discussed how to make sure undocumented individuals are not being taken advantage of by those preying on fears of deportation.
“People need to know that there’s a big disconnect between the national dialogue on immigration, and what’s truly happening on the ground,” says President of the California Fresh Fruit Association George Radanovich.
He adds that the more people who know that the words being said don’t reflect reality, the better for Central Valley communities. The event’s organizers state that those making the decisions in Washington D.C., need to be aware of the contributions immigrants make in California.
During the meeting, Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer revealed social media plays a major part in the spread of false information.
“We also need to do everything that we can, individually and collectively, to counter some of the false rumors and the narratives that are out there today – that we are involved in some form of immigration enforcement and conducting raids – because we are not,” says Chief Dyer.
“We want people in this community, regardless of your documentation status, to trust law enforcement.”
The event’s goal is to ensure that immigration reform remains a top priority for the federal government.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
