Bakersfield Chevron employee recalls ICE raid on customers: “They took their cars and laughed”

January 13, 2025 /

Jose Galindo (left) on on 7th Standard and Merle Haggard St. in Bakersfield, CA on January 9. (Photo by Crystal Navarro)

Youtuber David Villa, who oversees the San Joaquin Valley Transparency channel that focuses on holding public officials and law enforcement accountable for their actions, organized a gathering on January 9th in front of the Chevron on 7th standard and Merle Haggard in Bakersfield.

The protest came to be after the owner of the Chevron gas station, Jagdish Singh Dillon, said he had customers detained at his store by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He described the detained individuals as his “bread and butter” and said he was devastated that his customers were apprehended. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection were seen roaming the area, stationed at the Bureau of Land Management behind the Burger King on Merle Haggard. 

Dillon’s gas station was the second business affected, following a raid at the McDonald’s across the street last week. These actions have left local streets and businesses noticeably fewer people.

Candy Garcia, a chevron employee, witnessed the first strain of ICE raids during her shift. She said working there for 12 years she has established a strong connection with her customers who are frequent farm workers. On the day of the apprehension, the individuals stopped by to purchase a few items.

“ICE drove off with the cars of the farm workers, they took their cars, they did not have toll trucks pick up the cars of the individuals, they drove off with these cars, they took the keys,” said Garcia.

“As they were [apprehended and searched] by Border Patrol agents, they were laughing at them, they targeted specific people – mainly farm workers” Garcia said.

At 6 a.m. last Thursday, approximately fifteen people showed up before they headed to work to demonstrate their support of the store and of immigrants who are being detained and racially profiled. Many held signs with slogans that said “No ICE,” “Film Border Patrol,” “Ban ICE from Businesses,” “Made in California,” “We Know Our Rights,” “We don’t consent” and “ICE is not welcome here.”

Community member Jose Galindo said that he and other community members came here to support David in this organization. “He is trying to bring awareness to make sure that we hold accountability to Immigration and Border Patrol that are circulating the area,” Galindo said.

“They are not just apprehending people they came to get, no they are apprehending innocent bystanders and are doing horrible tactics. [Border Patrol] is fear-mongering people to the point people are cracking under pressure. Everyone has a right under the constitution [regardless] if you are here legally or illegally” Galindo explained.

Galindo went on to illustrate the importance of having everyone learn their rights and educate themselves on the assistance available. “We just want to bring awareness, we want to bring people together,” said Galindo.

A press release from The California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice (CCIJ), confirmed the apprehension of dozens of people. They informed the general public that, “California cannot tolerate intimidation tactics and racial profiling of citizens and non-citizens.”

They emphasized that legal services from both attorneys and advocates will be provided to those affected by recent ICE operations.

“We cannot sacrifice due process and food on our table for Trump to score cheap political points in anticipation of the presidential inauguration,” said in the press release.  

If anyone has been impacted by this operation or has witnessed this, text 661-432-2330, make sure to include the name and number, and someone will connect them with immigration services. For more information in both English and Spanish, please visit Rapid Response Kern County or visit the United Farm Workers Foundation.