Federal Agents Conduct Urgent Door-to-Door Visits in Fremont

UPDATE: Federal agents executed an urgent operation in Fremont on Saturday, October 21, 2023, conducting door-to-door visits to seek “voluntary cooperation” from specific individuals. By 12:20 p.m., officials confirmed the agents had left the city, leaving residents and local authorities in a state of uncertainty.

According to Fremont spokeswoman Geneva Bosques, the exact number of agents involved and their agency affiliation remain undisclosed. Reports indicate that agents arrived in the city early Saturday morning and were gone by early afternoon. Mayor Raj Salwan revealed he was informed about the agents’ presence by City Manager Karena Shackelford around mid-morning.

Mayor Salwan described the operation as a “knock and talk,” suggesting a non-confrontational approach. “As far as I know, this is kind of a voluntary check they’re doing. It’s not heavy-handed,” he stated. However, he noted that neither U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) nor the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had contacted him directly regarding the operation.

Fremont Police Chief Sean Washington did not provide immediate comments when approached for clarification about the agents’ activities. As the situation unfolded, local officials expressed their commitment to maintaining trust between residents and law enforcement. “We have not been a big target. I feel for the most part, people should feel safe,” Mayor Salwan emphasized.

The lack of information about the federal agents’ specific aims has left many residents anxious and curious. Fremont officials are working to ensure that community members understand the nature of these federal interactions while reaffirming that such operations are conducted independently of local law enforcement.

As developments continue to emerge, Fremont residents are encouraged to stay informed and exercise caution. The community is looking for clarity on how these actions may impact local safety and dynamics. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.