Clarification Regarding Community Concern in Patterson ![](/static/Citizen-24_02_1/img/public/msg_expiration.png)
The City of Patterson and the Patterson Police Services are aware of recent posts circulating on social media regarding alleged sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and claims that local law enforcement is targeting certain individuals. We want to address these concerns directly and provide clarity to our community.
Over the weekend, unverified reports were posted on social media suggesting that ICE agents were spotted on Highway 33 in Newman. These claims have caused unnecessary fear and confusion. To date, there has been no verified information or confirmation that ICE operations have taken place in the area. We want to inform the public that local law enforcement officials have no jurisdiction in immigration matters and are legally bound under California Senate Bill 54 which prohibits local law enforcement from interacting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Border Patrol or arresting someone based on their immigration status. For more information regarding this, please visit our social media channels or visit our website, scsdonline.com to listen to Sheriff Jeff Dirkse discussing this topic at length.
In an unrelated event, we want to clarify rules and local municipal codes regarding illegal food vending within city limits. At the request of the City of Patterson, on January 23, 2025 deputies with Patterson Police Services responded to complaints from residents about unpermitted food vendors operating after hours in front of the old CVS building located in the Walmart parking lot. Deputies informed them of the city’s ordinance on unpermitted food sales and allowed them to leave voluntarily with no arrests being made. Deputies re-educated the same individuals when they returned the following day, again without any enforcement action or arrests. These actions were solely to address unpermitted food vending within city limits and were unrelated to their immigration status. Under the Patterson Municipal Code in Chapter 5.10 vendors must apply for a permit, provide a Stanislaus County health permit and follow many other requirements.
We fully support the community’s right to peacefully protest and make their voices heard, and we urge everyone to exercise this right responsibly, ensuring the safety and well-being of all. The City of Patterson and the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office remain committed to transparency and fostering trust with our residents. We encourage anyone with questions or concerns to contact the Sheriff’s Office directly to receive accurate information.
Address/Location
Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department
250 Hackett Road
Modesto, CA 95358
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 209-567-4401