A Modesto resident, Stephen Gerringer, reported witnessing what appeared to be an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in his northeast Modesto neighborhood on the morning of September 11. Gerringer said he noticed law enforcement vehicles and agents outside a house at the corner of Merle Avenue and Walnut Crest Way.
“I walked past the place and then thought, ‘Oh, this isn’t right,’ and turned around and walked back,” Gerringer said.
According to Gerringer, one agent wore a black ski mask while another had skeletal gloves and a vest labeled “Police” and “ERO,” indicating Enforcement and Removal Operations. Gerringer recorded video footage of the incident from a safe distance without intervening. He also contacted a friend who is an immigration lawyer for advice. During the encounter, another bystander began filming as well.
Gerringer recounted that agents told a man outside the home they were looking for someone on federal probation. The man responded to Gerringer after speaking with agents: “They are lying, my mom’s not on probation.” He also claimed agents threatened to break his car window.
Federal law allows law enforcement officers to use deception during operations if necessary to gain entry or information. When asked for a badge number, an agent reportedly told the man, “You’re not under arrest,” but did not provide identification.
The ICE agents left after about 15 minutes without making any arrests. Multiple attempts by The Modesto Bee to contact ICE for comment received no response.
The incident occurred shortly after a Supreme Court decision that overturned restrictions preventing immigration enforcement from drawing conclusions about someone’s status based on factors like employment or accent. Fernanda Pereira, an immigration attorney in Stockton, commented on these changes: “The criteria introduced by the Supreme Court is going to give them much more flexibility, so it’s more important for people to be aware of their rights.”
Community organizations have responded by advising residents on how to document such incidents safely. Faith in the Valley posted on Instagram encouraging community members who witness ICE activity to contact their Rapid Response Team.
Other recent ICE activities have taken place in Modesto and nearby areas. On July 1, agents appeared at Stanislaus County courthouse—a move criticized by Judge Sonny S. Sandhu: “Federal immigration enforcement activities inside courthouses disrupt court operations, breach public trust, and compromise the Court’s constitutional role as a neutral venue for the peaceful resolution of disputes. These actions create a chilling effect, silencing victims, deterring witnesses, discouraging community members from seeking protection and deterring parties from participating in legal proceedings critical to the rule of law.”
Pereira advised individuals who see ICE activity locally to call Valley Watch Network’s Rapid Response Team at 559-206-0151.
Resources exist for residents seeking guidance about their rights during such encounters. Nora Zaragoza-Yáñez of Valley Watch Network recommends asking officers if they have judicial warrants signed by judges—these allow lawful entry into private property—rather than administrative warrants issued by Homeland Security.
“Go back to the First, Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights of probable cause,” Zaragoza-Yáñez said. “‘Do you have a judicial warrant?’ Ask folks to identify themselves.”
Pereira emphasized that those approached should avoid engaging directly with agents: “They should exercise their right to remain silent and consult an immigration attorney as soon as possible so they can know what they can do to acquire status if that is a possibility.”
She also suggested keeping G-28 forms ready at home so family members’ attorneys can contact ICE if someone is detained; key personal information such as name, date of birth, country of origin and A-number should be kept available.
Valley Watch Network offers accompaniment services for those concerned about attending court hearings alone due to potential immigration enforcement risks. “That way they are able to get into the courthouse and get back safely,” Zaragoza-Yáñez said.
Video viewed by The Bee showed that when asked if there was a warrant present during the encounter near Merle Avenue on September 11th—none was provided—and later criticism was voiced regarding officer conduct during filming across the street: “This is illegal right here, what they’re doing.”
Attempts by The Modesto Bee to reach out directly to individuals involved in this incident have been unsuccessful.
