Latino-Majority City Council Readying For Immigration Fight In Woodland
WOODLAND (CBS13) — For the first time, Woodland City Council members will have a Latino majority.
With Donald Trump becoming president, the new council members say they're gearing up for a long fight to protect undocumented immigrants in Woodland.
"I'm worried inside but I'd rather not show it," said Cesar Flores, an undocumented college student in Woodland.
Cesar fears his American dream will be shattered. Cesar moved to the U.S. in 2000 when he was 5. His goal since then was to become a nurse, then pursue a master's degree.
Cesar now worries president-elect Donald Trump is going to deport undocumented immigrants around the country and destroy his family -- and his dream.
"That's one of my biggest fears. We worked hard to get everything we have right now so I'm definitely afraid we will have to pick up and leave," said Cesar.
Cesar says he's lucky he didn't experience any backlash after the election, but several Latino high school students did. School officials say the students were threatened by some of their peers over the last few weeks. With tensions high around the Latino community in Woodland, Vice Mayor Angel Barajas is speaking out.
"We are asking for unity and peace and also providing common resources; we are setting up workshops regarding immigration, healthcare and other concerns," Barajas said.
Barajas says the city firmly stands with undocumented immigrants in Woodland, who he says contribute tremendously to the city and county.
"It's going to be a long fight and we are ready for it," Barajas added.
But Cesar isn't ready to give up on his dream just yet; he plans to transfer to a four-year college to study nursing in 2017.
He says he hopes immigration laws don't change by the time his student permit expires in 2018.
"I'm worried, but let's just hope for the best."
City Council members are now considering making Woodland a sanctuary city.
If that plan is approved, Woodland would become the 19-th sanctuary city in California.
