Clovis Latino resident: I carry my passport out of fear of being stopped by ICE | Opinion
Fear in Clovis
“Hundreds rally in Fresno to show solidarity after ICE detainments, Minneapolis killings,” (fresnobee.com, Jan. 26)
Recently, I started carrying my passport — not because I plan to leave the country, but because I fear being stopped by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or Border Patrol.
I am a citizen, and many friends and relatives have told me I have nothing to fear. Yet, I continue to see images and videos in which Americans who look Latino are being dragged and carried into unmarked vehicles by masked, armed agents.
I am Latino. Do I have a reason to fear being questioned by immigration agents? Many may say no. However, when I enter businesses, many of the clerks speak Spanish to me automatically.
The fears shared by many Americans will not end until Donald Trump is no longer president.
Steven Trevino Jr.
Clovis
Heed fog advisories
“Fresno CA forecast: Dense fog advisory in Central Valley,” (fresnobee.com, Jan. 3)
The Valley’s tule fog has been especially brutal this winter. A recent 43-vehicle pileup was triggered by dense fog and high speeds.
The tule fog is a ground fog which is dense and full of moisture. It’s a bit like driving inside a light bulb — even shadows disappear. At night, it is even worse because headlights just reflect off the fog and back into the driver’s eyes.
So when the California Highway Patrol declares a dense fog advisory, believe it. Exercise an abundance of caution.
Tim McGlasson
Visalia
Preserve Tower Theatre’s core mission
“We spent a musical movie night in Fresno’s Tower District. What we got for $25,” (fresnobee.com, July 2, 2025)
The Tower District exists because it stands for something. It’s long been Fresno’s home for counterculture, affordability, inclusion and people who refuse to be squeezed into someone’s definition of “normal.” That identity is embodied in our namesake landmark, the Tower Theatre.
During the pandemic, our community fought to prevent the theatre from falling into the hands of a far-right church whose beliefs run counter to everything Tower represents. Residents organized, protested and faced intimidation and violence from extremist groups to keep the theatre in community-aligned hands. When the city assumed ownership, they promised stewardship rooted in inclusion and respect.
That promise rings hollow when the theatre hosts acts like Rob Schneider; known for anti-vaccine rhetoric, far-right politics and disparagement of the LGBTQ+ community. Schneider represents the worst of the ideologies this neighborhood resisted.
Jose Solorio
Fresno
Dems need to figure it out
“Watch California gubernatorial candidates debate on housing, homelessness, more,” (fresnobee.com, Feb. 4)
Democratic candidates for governor better figure this out soon. If over 10 Democrats run against two Republicans in California’s moronic top-two primary, the Democratic vote will be split, and the two Republicans could be the two highest vote-getters. And then the bluest state in the union gets a Republican governor.
It’s simple math. Some of you need to take one for the team and drop out now.
Matt Nelsenador
Sacramento
A huge loss
“Catherine O’Hara Shared How She Wanted To Be Remembered Prior To Her Death,” (fresnobee.com, Jan. 31)
I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Catherine O’Hara, at age 71. From “Home Alone” to “Schitt’s Creek,” her warmth, wit and unforgettable characters brought joy to audiences around the world.
Paul Bacon
Hallandale Beach, Fla.