Immigration Detentions Near Fort Hunter Liggett Spark Concerns Over Military Involvement
At least ten individuals have been detained by immigration officials after being stopped on Jolon Road near Fort Hunter Liggett since December 30th, according to the Monterey County Solidarity Network, a volunteer group assisting immigrants facing raids and detentions. The incidents have raised questions about the role of military police and potential collaboration with federal immigration authorities.
Local Law Enforcement Denies Involvement
Monterey County officials and local police agencies state they were unaware of the December 30th and 31st incidents. Sheriff Tina M. Nieto confirmed the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office was not involved in the detentions, stating they have no firsthand information to verify or refute the details. King City Police Chief Robert Masterson similarly stated his department had no involvement near Fort Hunter Liggett.
Federal Agencies Remain Silent
Attempts to obtain clarification from the Army, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), and the Pentagon have been largely unsuccessful. The Army referred inquiries to ICE, which then directed requests to ICE Media, who have not yet responded. A spokesperson for Army Public Affairs stated the Army does not disclose information about law enforcement operations.
Pattern of Traffic Stops and Immigration Enforcement
An anonymous local immigration attorney working with the Monterey County Solidarity Network described a pattern of traffic stops. Detainees and their families report being followed by a white van for several miles on Jolon Road near the entrance to Fort Hunter Liggett before being pulled over for minor traffic violations – such as missing taillights or turn signals. Upon running background checks, immigration officials would then arrive on the scene.
Concerns Over Coordination and Tactics
The attorney believes military police may be involved, stating, “We suspect that It’s. We don’t believe it’s local police.” The detainees described the vehicles involved as not belonging to local law enforcement or the sheriff’s department. In one instance, agents allegedly deleted a video of a detention from a mother’s phone in exchange for releasing her and her children, while detaining the father. The attorney noted that those targeted appear to be individuals of Hispanic or Latino descent traveling on Jolon Road.
Fort Hunter Liggett: A Key Training Facility
Fort Hunter Liggett, the largest U.S. Army Reserve post at 167,000 acres, borders the Los Padres National Forest, the Santa Lucia Mountains, and the Salinas Valley. While the public can access portions of the base for hunting and fishing, its primary function is as a training facility for the U.S. Army Reserve. The base’s location and the potential for military police involvement are central to the concerns raised by immigration advocates.
Legal Restrictions on Local Police
It is illegal in California for local authorities to conduct traffic stops to enforce federal immigration laws. Military police can conduct traffic stops on federal property, but the question remains whether they are collaborating with immigration officials.
What’s Next?
The Monterey County Solidarity Network is seeking more information, including video footage, and encouraging the public to act as “legal observers” to monitor and document immigration enforcement activity in the area. Representative Zoe Lofgren, whose district includes Fort Hunter Liggett, has stated she is seeking more details and is committed to ensuring federal agents comply with the law.
FAQ
- What is Fort Hunter Liggett? Fort Hunter Liggett is a large U.S. Army Reserve training facility in Monterey County, California.
- Has law enforcement confirmed involvement in the detentions? Local law enforcement agencies have stated they were not involved.
- What are legal observers? Legal observers are volunteers who independently monitor and document immigration enforcement activity.
- Is it legal for local police to enforce immigration laws in California? No, it is illegal for local authorities in California to conduct traffic stops specifically to enforce federal immigration laws.
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