SONOMA COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) — In the North Bay, immigration activists have staged a hunger strike. They’re camping outside the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors offices, demanding leaders pass a sanctuary ordinance protecting the immigrant community from ICE raids.
Ten hunger strikers wearing red wristbands were being entertained Sunday by supporters to keep their spirits up. There was no food here, but lots of hydration.
“We started Tuesday morning. Today, we’re on day six,” said immigration advocate Renee Saucedo.
Saucedo is taking part in the hunger strike, camping outside the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors offices. The group is urging supervisors to pass a sanctuary ordinance to protect local immigrant communities from federal ICE raids, which are happening in the North Bay and across the state.
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“We’re asking for an ordinance that requires county employees not to share information or collaborate with ICE. It’s very straight forward,” Saucedo said.
“I’m so terrified. I carry my passport, because we’ve had people who are U.S. citizens being detained,” said Naomi Lossy.
Lossy says conditions for the hunger strike haven’t been ideal.
“Coconut water has been a lifesaver. We’ve been trying to stay cool in the shade as much as possible,” Lossy said.
Several cities in North Bay have sanctuary policies, along with San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose.
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Some Sonoma County supervisors support the hunger strikers right to free speech but say a sanctuary ordinance would have little legal effect against federal immigration policies and could bring unwanted scrutiny to the county.
Supervisor Lynda Hopkins tells ABC7 News, “Adopting a sanctuary ordinance could cause harm, it risks creating a false sense of security and contributes to misinformation. Worse, it may put a target on the backs of local immigrants and refugees — particularly under a federal administration that has demonstrated a willingness to pursue retribution.”
“Sadly, it has to do with fear of lawsuits and losing funding,” Saucedo said.
The hunger strike is ahead of Tuesday’s board of supervisors meeting, although the sanctuary topic is not on the agenda, the group plans to protest to force a discussion. It’s unclear how long the protest outside will continue.
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