Reflections on a community forum in Madera

On February 11, 2025, the Pan Valley Institute (PVI) hosted a community forum that brought together residents and nine leaders from Madera to discuss the increasing presence of ICE in the area and potential law enforcement involvement. From the outset, the atmosphere was one of mutual respect and a shared commitment to fostering a nuanced and open dialogue.

This forum allowed the community to engage with many city officials, officers, school board members, and council members to address these concerns, raise questions and establish trust and understanding with one another.

The event was facilitated by José Eduardo Chavez Garcia and Juan Santiago Ramirez, who posed critical questions to officials, such as how to determine the legitimacy of a warrant.

While Madera Police Chief Giachino Chiaramonte was unable to provide specific guidance on distinguishing real warrants from fake ones, he acknowledged the growing unease surrounding ICE’s presence. However, he sought to reassure the community by emphasizing that ICE has operated in Madera and surrounding areas for years, including under the previous administration.

Madera Unified School District representatives Elia Medina and Alyson Crafton also provided important insights, explaining that while ICE has access to school offices, since they are considered public spaces, they cannot enter classrooms to detain students. Additionally, they reassured attendees that faculty members have been trained to respond appropriately to ICE’s presence on campus, which has helped foster a sense of security.

The police chief further stated that he has communicated with ICE agents and affirmed that they do not intend to enter community-designated safe spaces—and, to date, have not done so. Still, a lingering concern remains: while no incidents have been reported in Madera, the future remains uncertain.

Policies and enforcement tactics could shift in the second or third year of this administration, making it crucial to sustain forums like this one. Continued dialogue will ensure that the community stays informed, officials remain accountable, and concerns are addressed in real time.

Other officials in attendance included City Councilmembers Artemio Villegas, Steve Montes, and Elsa Mejia, and Madera County Supervisors Robert Poythress, Leticia Gonzalez, and Bobby Macaulay..

This forum was a testament to Madera’s willingness to engage in meaningful discussions with leaders who are open to dialogue. The overwhelming turnout, surpassing PVI’s initial expectations, demonstrates the community’s commitment to staying informed and advocating for their rights.

During the event, Joshua Slack had the opportunity to provide photography coverage, documenting the night through still images. His photos captured the sheer volume of community members that were in attendance, which demonstrated the strength of the community.

Implications for moving forward

As an outsider, Joshua found it quite impactful to be a part of this dialogue, even if it was just simply having a camera in hand. He was able to witness passionate stories and testimonies – and develop empathy with those who walk a different yet similar life when it comes to dealing with law enforcement.

One of the most impactful elements was the transparency that the city officials provided about how ICE has been present daily. With the current political climate going on, officials reassured people that this is something they take seriously. This helped him gain a deeper understanding of the responsibilities of being in a position of power.

Joshua was able to interact with many different PVI collaborators, which deepened his appreciation of solidarity within the community. Documenting and engaging in discussions surrounding something as topical as ICE raids and deportations provided him a new insight that he plans to incorporate into his own studies and work as a Cultural Organizer.

The event challenged him to think differently about community and its relationship to those in political positions. He realized that though we may have different positions on the political spectrum or even positions of power, it’s important to come together. We need to engage in uncomfortable conversations in settings in which a variety of voices can be heard in order to establish trust, goodwill and solidarity.

As a Lemoore native who primarily works in Fresno, Joshua recognizes the unique beauty and culture of the residents of Madera and the tightknit network in which they operate. This has motivated him to see if there are areas in Kings County that we would be able to engage in a dialogue regarding social issues, given our history.

The forum also inspired Joshua to take actionable steps as a Cultural Organizer. He looks forward to applying what he learned and participating in similar events in the future, He wants to fully embrace the responsibility of bringing communities together in public spaces to be seen, heard, understood, and loved.