José Pérez Gómez, a Mexican immigrant who arrived in the United States over 25 years ago, initially supported the Democratic Party in the 2020 presidential election. However, he changed his vote to Donald Trump in the recent election, citing personal economic struggles as a primary factor.
Democrats had expected that Trump's rhetoric regarding immigration would alienate Latino voters, particularly those with undocumented family members. Yet, Pérez Gómez noted that many immigrants in California's Central Valley share his concerns about border security and feel that Democrats have failed to address immigration reform, leading to feelings of betrayal.
Fresno, California, with a population of over 546,000, is a hub for agricultural production and has seen significant demographic changes, with more than 50 percent of its residents identifying as Hispanic. Despite this, the political landscape in Fresno does not guarantee a Democratic majority, as evidenced by the county's support for a Republican presidential candidate for the first time in 20 years.
Economic issues largely influenced this shift, as many voters expressed frustration over the lack of immigration reform from Democrats after decades of waiting. Local Democratic leaders acknowledged that the party may have taken the Latino vote for granted and emphasized the need for better communication with this community.
Concerns about high inflation under President Biden also contributed to discontent among Latino voters in Fresno, who reported feeling more financially stable during Trump's presidency. Local Democratic officials have attempted to connect with constituents by highlighting their own accomplishments rather than national party messages.
A significant portion of Fresno County's unauthorized immigrant population has been in the U.S. for over a decade, leading some voters to resent the perceived advantages given to new migrants compared to their own experiences. Many believe that immigration policies should focus on legalizing those already in the country rather than allowing new arrivals to gain benefits.
While some Trump supporters believe his tough immigration stance is merely rhetorical, concerns remain among local Democrats about potential deportations and their impact on families with mixed immigration statuses. Law enforcement in Fresno County has indicated they will not assist federal immigration enforcement, reflecting community resistance to aggressive immigration policies.
Following the election, there has been a notable increase in attendance at immigration workshops, indicating heightened anxiety among undocumented residents. Local officials are working with immigrant advocacy groups to provide education on rights and assist with naturalization processes.
City councilman Luis Chavez has focused on addressing the needs of the immigrant community, emphasizing that many Latino voters feel let down by the Democratic Party's failure to deliver on immigration reform. He noted a common sentiment among some Latinos that new migrants should not receive benefits that they themselves did not have access to upon arriving in the U.S.