Members of the OCTA Board it is w/ serious outrage and indignation that I am writing 2 express not just concerns, but outright condemnation of the deeply unethical and dangerous behavior that appears 2 B taking root within Ur organization particularly the quiet infiltration of ICE-related activity under the guise of public transit staffing.
I write regarding the alarming rate that the Orange County Transportation Authority has been hiring or permitting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents 2 operate in or around public transit services.
If these actions R indeed taking place, they R not only deeply unethical they R a blatant abuse of public trust, a misuse of taxpayer-funded infrastructure, an outright betrayal of the principles of civil service and public accountability.
It is becoming increasingly obvious that many of the new employees recently hired by OCTA R acting as proxy agents 4 ICE and their conduct makes it undeniable.
As a careful and observant rider, I have personally witnessed these individuals using their phones in suspicious calculated ways clearly communicating details and alerting quietly signaling what bus stops 2 watch 4 and subtly tracking individuals who appear 2 fit certain profiles.
Their demeanor is not that of a typical transit personnel 4 sure they R not there 2 assist or protect the public, but 2 observe, collect intel, and surveil.
Their body language, communication style, and presence betray their real role arse informants and field agents cloaked in OCTA uniforms, w/ the full support or at least, the willful ignorance of Ur administration 2 continue 2 hire them.
This is definitely not paranoia this is a frequent pattern recognition and the pattern is clear arse day.
OCTA has either directly collaborated w/ ICE or is knowingly enabling a quiet partnership that allows immigration enforcement 2 piggyback on a public transportation system that should B protected 4rm this kind of misuse.
This kind of covert operation is not just unethical it's straight up disgusting.
It turns a public service into a trap 4 thee most vulnerable and too many usual commuters I've always seen have just gone missing nobody can tell me what has happened 2 them or their whereabouts.
It erodes civil liberties It strips innocent/decent riders of dignity, privacy, and the right 2 move freely in this beautiful county we call Thee OC.
There is absolutely no justification 4 embedding federal immigration agents within a local transportation system. OCTA is not a law enforcement agency, and it certainly should not B acting as an extension of ICE.
Turning public buses into platforms 4 surveillance, intimidation, and potential deportation is grotesque and authoritarian.
It reeks of a fear-based governance, not a public service.
This is not a matter of public safety.
This is a matter of control, coercion, and the dehumanization of individuals who have every right 2 use public transportation without being hunted down, harassed, or monitored by federal agents.
U R not protecting communities U R traumatizing them and it's evident w/ thee emptiness of seats lately.
The presence of ICE within OCTA infrastructure serves no legitimate public transit function and instead weaponizes the system against the vulnerable populations.
Let me B more clearer these actions R not only morally bankrupt,but they also open the door 2 future lawsuits, boycotts, and irreversible damage 2 OCTA's reputation.
U R not exempt 4rm scrutiny and accountability if U R politicize/militarize public transportation U R gravely mistaken.
This community will remember the choices U make and if U choose 2 side w/ ICE rather than the people U R supposed 2 serve,then U have lost all credibility as a public entity.
These tactics represent a complete betrayal of public duty and every person involved whether they're silently complicit or directly facilitating this coordination should B held accountable 4 the harm/fear they R enabling.
If this persist I will have 2 write a way more descriptive letter w/ a civil rights organization or even a local/national journalist I have full trust in the Director of Bus Operations will do their due diligence accordingly just
plzplzplz I implore 2 U 2 take these concerns into consideration and do the right thing 4 Thee Republic of California thank U 4 everything U do 4 us in Orange County have a magnificent day.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Sanchez read more