Farmworkers along the San Mateo County coast are experiencing heightened fear following reports of federal agents chasing farmworkers in Southern California. Advocacy groups report increased anxiety, prompting cancellations of community events and notable behavioral changes among families. Many farmers are now locking their gates for safety, and there is a noticeable uptick in demand for mental health services among farmworkers. Even without direct raids in their area, the community is adapting, with older children increasingly taking on responsibilities such as grocery shopping for their families.
"The community is fearful right now," said Sandra Sencion, farmworkers program director for ALAS. "There are events that we have scheduled as well where folks are sharing that they are concerned about safety that we've had to cancel."
"People are still feeling okay to go to work at the farms. We have noticed some farmers are now closing their gates. Locking them so you need to call them to be able to enter that place because we are afraid," said Arlae Alston.
"Now more than ever, we are reassuring folks that they can come here and get free mental health services, seek support we are well connected with other partners as well and they are not alone more than anything," said Sencion.
"We noticed that all of the older children were coming to pick up the food instead the parents. So definitely, families are relying on the older children to do the grocery runs or any basic needs really."
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