Reported ICE activity in Salinas and Seaside raises concerns across Monterey County.

 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were reportedly observed near the Monterey County Jail and Natividad Medical Center in Salinas on Monday, Oct. 26, according to the Solidarity Network Monterey County Rapid Response, which trains volunteer legal observers to document ICE activity locally. 

The Network also reported that two people were detained by ICE in Seaside on the morning of Sunday, Oct. 25 near Sonoma and Yosemite streets. 

According to the Solidarity Network, two vehicles were involved: a black Nissan Murano with California license plate 9KCL238 and a white Dodge Durango without license plates. The individuals in Seaside appear to have been targeted. The Weekly has so far been unable to confirm their names or details about the individuals detained.

The Seaside Police Department shared that ICE has been conducting targeted investigations in Seaside and has made several apprehensions. 

“While we do not have access to the specific details of these investigations, our understanding is that the operations involved individuals suspected of federal criminal violations,” SSPD said in a statement. 

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office addressed concerns regarding the reported federal enforcement activity near the jail, and stated that local officials had not been notified of the action by federal authorities. “Federal law enforcement agencies are not required to notify our office when conducting independent enforcement operations within our jurisdiction,” according to a statement from the Sheriff’s Office on Oct. 26.

More than 20 volunteer legal observers signed up for shifts to document activity near the Monterey County Jail on Tuesday, Oct. 27 to observe without interfering, and plan to continue monitoring the area for the rest of the week. They will remain as long as enforcement continues, according to Megan Whilden, volunteer with the Solidarity Network Monterey County Rapid Response. 

Whilden also cautioned against posting unverified photos, videos or sightings online, saying “they can cause panic.” She recommends residents who see suspected enforcement report it to the Rapid Response Network hotline by calling (831) 204-8082.

“If you need medical care, please go to the hospital, don't avoid the hospital,” Whilden says.