Police chiefs discuss immigration enforcement during WVCBA Business Advocacy Committee meeting

At the February meeting of WVCBA's Business Advocacy Committee, Commander Eric Tennessen, Chief of Police for the City of Camarillo, and City of Oxnard Police Chief Jason Benites addressed business community concerns about local activity of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

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Here are some of their key messages:

• ​Chief Benites confirmed recent ICE activity in Oxnard and warned of misinformation and inaccurate reports of ICE activity or sightings. 
• Commander Tennessen confirmed that ICE has not been active in Camarillo.
• ​Chief Benites says ICE agents are targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records and that collateral arrests are possible. 
• ICE is a federal agency and does not work in conjunction with local police. They have been informing local police of their presence and activity.
• ICE agents must have a judicial warrant to enter businesses and private properties.

​Also noted during the virtual  Business Advocacy Committee meeting, El Concilio Family Services in Oxnard has a lot of resources available to the public, including 'Know Your Rights’ Red Cards. These free cards are available at their center and summarize constitutional rights and immigration information.  El Concilio is a a nonprofit community service organization whose primary mission is to provide assistance to the underserved community.   

All WVCBA members are welcome to attend Business Advocacy Committee meetings; those who want to advocate on behalf of local businesses are invited to join the committee.