Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

North State ICE sightings circulating on social media likely false claims

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Baltimore Field Officer director Matt Elliston listens during a briefing, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Silver Spring, Md.
Alex Brandon
/
AP
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Baltimore Field Officer director Matt Elliston listens during a briefing, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Silver Spring, Md.

Reports on social media are circulating that some North State residents have seen Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) agents in Chico, Red Bluff, Yuba City and Gridley over the past few days.

Sightings of immigration officials in the North State have also been reported on social media. But according to local immigration response organizations and law enforcement agencies, most of these reports are likely false alarms.

The Sacramento Family Unity, Education and Legal Network for Immigrants (FUEL) is the rapid response network in the North State. The coalition responds to ICE detention raids and confirms agent sightings in the region. They also provide legal and emotional support for those in custody.

Rapid Response Network responds to ICE detention raids and confirm agent sightings. They also provide legal and emotional support for those in custody.

Dispatchers with FUEL told NSPR they’ve had their hands full as of late verifying potential sightings. They report that no agents have been confirmed in Chico, Red Bluff, Yuba City or Gridley within the past week.

NSPR also reached out to several local law enforcement agencies in the region and confirmed they have not received reports of ICE agents in the area. Though, ICE agents do not have to report their presence to local agencies.

Tensions remain high.

New orders from the Trump Administration now allow ICE arrests in churches, schools and hospitals. These places were previously deemed safe from enforcement. These orders paired with aggressive mass deportation efforts have left some residents nervous about what the changes mean for themselves and their communities.

Ava is NSPR’s Morning Edition anchor and reporter. They previously worked on NPR’s Weekend Edition and NPR’s Weekend All Things Considered broadcasts and produced weekly national news stories focused on contextualizing national issues for individual communities. They love NorCal and spending time outdoors.