Surging ICE raids shadow final weeks of California congressional race
Summary
Federal immigration raids in California’s Central Valley have become a major issue in the race for the 22nd Congressional District, where Democratic challenger Randy Villegas is running against Republican incumbent David Valadao. The Trump administration says the raids target people in the country illegally, while farmworkers, labor groups and local advocates say they have swept up community members and disrupted daily life and businesses.Key Facts
- The administration began a 45-day immigration enforcement effort called “Operation Save California” in early October.
- The 22nd District race is one of the California contests Democrats hope will help them win a House majority in the November 3 midterm elections.
- David Valadao has won six of his last seven races, according to the article.
- Randy Villegas has focused his campaign on the cost of living, healthcare cuts and immigration raids.
- Villegas said some local businesses were struggling because of the raids, and some residents were afraid to leave home.
- The Department of Homeland Security denied that its officers use racial profiling and said immigration status, not race or ethnicity, determines enforcement targets.
- Teresa Romero, president of the United Farm Workers, said the raids were targeting long-term community members who were not criminals.
- A memorial honoring labor organizer and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta was displayed in Bakersfield on November 2, 2026.
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