BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- Lawmakers representing Kern County are responding to Border Patrol operations in Bakersfield and surrounding areas. “I have been in contact with Customs and Border Protection regarding the recent immigration enforcement actions in Kern County, and I’ve been informed that they are undertaking operations to apprehend known criminals or those with ties to criminal organizations currently in our community. I urge the Biden Administration to ensure CBP is prioritizing criminals and not those responsible for producing our nation's food supply. We urgently need common-sense immigration reform that creates a pathway to earned legal status for hardworking individuals contributing to our economy and removes those who threaten the safety of our communities.” Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford) Emptying the fields: Mass deportations, consequences in Kern County "The recent Border Patrol arrests in our district have raised significant concerns among farmers and community members. Agriculture is the backbone of our local economy, and farmers are already facing immense challenges, including water issues, rising costs, and an ongoing worker shortage. These enforcement actions risk further destabilizing a workforce that is vital not only to the success of our farms but also to the food security of our state and nation. Public safety and economic stability go hand in hand. Building and maintaining trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement is essential—not only for public safety but also for the prosperity of our agricultural sector and the broader local economy. Actions that erode trust can create unintended consequences, making it harder to address shared community challenges. I call on federal leaders to work collaboratively with local stakeholders, including farmers and community representatives, to find solutions that prioritize public safety while addressing the economic realities of our district. Only through partnership and dialogue can we ensure that enforcement actions reflect both the needs and values of our community." Sen. Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) Immigration enforcement operations taking place in Bakersfield area, local officials say “Law enforcement has a responsibility to communicate clearly and accurately with the public to prevent the spread of fear and disinformation among law-abiding communities and the media. Whether a Democrat or Republican is in the White House, preventing fear and trauma must be a higher priority. With that said, Kern County is a high-intensity drug trafficking area fueled by transnational criminal networks that poison our streets with dangerous drugs like fentanyl and tranq, and I hope we can continue to work on getting drugs and drug dealers out of our communities.” Asm. Dr. Jasmeet Bains (D-Delano) Rep. Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield) declined to comment.