Federal immigration agents have intensified operations across California’s Central Valley in recent weeks, prompting fear in Latino communities and accusations of voter intimidation amid a closely contested U.S. House race. The surge in arrests, announced internally to officers in early October, followed directives from the White House, according to a U.S. official who spoke anonymously.

Unlike large-scale raids in urban centers such as Minneapolis and Chicago involving heavily armed agents, the operation in California has involved smaller groups moving through towns in the primarily agricultural region. The United Farm Workers union reported hundreds of farmworkers detained in this period.

Department of Homeland Security preliminary data indicate a sharp increase in arrests in areas like Bakersfield, where daily immigration arrests rose from about one to nearly ten in mid-October. In Wasco, with a population of just 26,000, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested at least seven individuals over a few days.

These enforcement actions have raised alarm in predominantly Latino communities, especially with midterm elections set for November 7. California’s 22nd congressional district, encompassing Bakersfield and estimated to be 73% Latino, is a key battleground where Democrat Randy Valadao holds a narrow lead over six-term Republican incumbent David Valadao.

State Assemblyman Rudy Villegas condemned the arrests as a clear attempt to intimidate voters ahead of the election. “These operations have created fear and anxiety in our communities,” Villegas told reporters. Meanwhile, David Valadao acknowledged the distress caused by immigration enforcement but called for prioritizing the removal of individuals posing public safety risks.

The Department of Homeland Security declined to comment on the operations, citing officer safety concerns, and did not address allegations of voter intimidation.

Experts note that California’s 22nd district is expected to be tightly contested, with electoral turnout potentially impacted by the heightened immigration enforcement. Thad Kousser, co-director of UC San Diego’s Center for Transparent and Trusted Elections, emphasized that anything influencing voters’ decisions or participation could be significant in such a close race.

Public opinion among Hispanic Americans appears to have cooled toward President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Only 24% approve of his performance, according to a recent survey. White House spokeswoman Lauren Biss defended the administration’s record, pointing to improvements in economics and safety for Hispanic communities, while directing questions on ICE raids to DHS.

Reports indicate ICE agents have conducted arrests outside homes, busy intersections, workplaces, and near schools throughout the Central Valley. A U.S. official confirmed agents were encouraged to maximize arrests and have been auditing employer records to locate workers at home or during commutes.

Local residents describe a chilling effect on political engagement. Maribel Ramirez, a farmworker from the area, said some U.S. citizen youths are hesitant to vote due to fears their participation could expose undocumented family members. “Some eligible voters are staying home because their parents are immigrants,” Ramirez said.

Communities have seen fewer people in public spaces. Ana Valencia, a Bakersfield barber, noted business owners offering free delivery services for those afraid to leave their homes. Valencia said she voted early to avoid the presence of ICE agents.

Villegas has made the enforcement actions a central issue of his campaign, criticizing his opponent, David Valadao, for previously voting to increase ICE’s budget and accusing him of insufficient support for immigrant communities. Valadao maintains that ICE is targeting criminals, though acknowledging some overreach, without providing details.

Supporters of Valadao point to his moderate stance on immigration. Kern County farmer Jason Giannelli described him as understanding ICE’s pursuit of dangerous individuals.

Farmworker advocates dispute claims that detained individuals pose threats. Elizabeth Strater, UFW national vice president, said most of those arrested in recent weeks lack criminal records, with some holding legal work authorization.

A recent case highlights the human impact of the raids. A brother and sister, both Mexican nationals who came to the U.S. as children and have no criminal history, were mistakenly detained in Kern County while off work. Their lawyers have challenged the detention as unlawful. The woman is a single mother caring for two young children following the recent death of their father. The family’s distress has been profound, underscoring the raids’ emotional toll on affected communities.