SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - Emotions spilled out of the meeting and into the street as people argued over Santa Cruz asking for federal help to fight its gang problem. Latino activists call it a huge mistake; others say it's a help the city desperately needs.
"Combining immigration and gang violence together, we don't see that as an effective strategy," said resident O.T. Quintero.
"I'm disappointed that leaders of the Hispanic community keep confusing the ICE gang unit with ICE who make sweeps. And this gang unit is good for the community," said resident Steven Brodsky.
On Wednesday night, Santa Cruz Police said Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Agents can help crackdown on gang crimes, and asking for help is a no brainer.
"In the history of the department we've never done, we have 3 federal agencies working with us and they are at absolutely no cost to the city and the resources have been invaluable to us so far in arresting two pretty significant MS-13 gang members," said Zach Friend with Santa Cruz Police.
Police say they made two major gang arrests since the feds moved in, but some people are still unhappy.
"It's not fine because the use of ICE will target brown people, will target people of color," said resident Angie Espinosa.
Police say ICE is here for one reason only, to help get violent gang members off the street.
"Their sole focus is not immigration. They're here to hold people accountable at the federal level and we are going to hold them to that promise," said Deputy Chief Rick Martinez.
Police said they are still investigating the recent murder of 19-year-old Carl Reimer. His grandmother was at the meeting and said she is thrilled about federal help.
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SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - Tonight at 6:30pm at the Santa Cruz Police Department's Community Hall, Police Chief Howard Skerry will talk to the community about the State and Federal resources available to help combat the recent spike in gang violence.
The forum will provide an opportunity for Police Department staff and Council Members to offer an educational overview of what resources are being utilized to combat gang violence, distribution of narcotics and other criminal activity in Santa Cruz.
About 100 people are expected to be there along with concerned Latino activists who are against the recent and continuing collaboration with Immigration Customs and Enforcement.
Central Coast News Reporter Susanne Brunner will be working on this story throughout the night and will have the full story at 10 and 11.
