Outrage over Fresno Co. Supervisors immigration comments, Bredefeld responds only to Action News
On Friday, members of the Valley's immigrant community gathered to share their outrage about a Fresno County Board of Supervisors' news conference earlier in the week.
"These supervisors have demonstrated a profound disconnect from the communities that they were elected to serve," the California Immigrant Policy Center's Sukaina Hussain said.
Hussain and others sharply condemned comments from County Supervisors Nathan Magsig, Buddy Mendes, and Garry Bredefeld during an event meant to support law enforcement.
"ICE is not a danger or threat to our communities," Bredefeld said on Tuesday.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Fresno Co. Supervisor Bredefeld speaks out in support of ICE, critics slam his 'divisive rhetoric'
But the news conference turned into what some call an attack on immigrants, and it quickly devolved as a reporter asked Bredefeld about the purpose of the event in light of no such attacks happening in Fresno County.
"Are you watching what is happening in the country? That's a stupid question," Bredefeld said. "The fact is, ICE is under attack. You know, everybody knows it. We're one step away from any violent attack happening here."
The speakers on Friday said it all sounded more like a campaign speech.
"Our pain is not a talking point, and our families are not bargaining chips for anyone's political ambition," The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights' Brenda Ordaz Garcia said.
Bredefeld spoke exclusively with Action News following the event.
"Was it appropriate to have that press conference in county facilities without an official action by the Board of Supervisors?" Action News asked.
"Absolutely," the supervisor said. "I'm allowed to speak my mind. I'm an elected representative. I'm chairman of the board."
Bredefeld's earlier comments at the news conference come amid political unrest across the country. Demonstrators have taken to the streets, clashing with authorities. In Fresno, one protester set an American flag on fire earlier this month.
"Are you tamping that rhetoric up or tamping that rhetoric down in terms of the temperature?" Action News asked.
"No, I think people like Jacob Frey, the mayor of Minneapolis, and Walz - they're creating all the tension," Bredefeld said.
Action News pressed him again.
"Do you bear any responsibility for the temperature, the rhetoric here in Fresno County?"
"No, not at all," Bredefeld said. "We are saying you have to cooperate with law enforcement. Stop attacking federal officials who are doing their lawful duty."
Outside, the speakers demanded change.
"The responsibility of our local elected officials and of law enforcement is to protect communities and uphold constitutional rights, not to enable federal agents who are disrupting daily life, tearing families apart, and spreading fear throughout our neighborhoods," Hussain said.
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