Fresno tow operator absorbs $700 daily loss to help ICE-detained neighbors

Ramiro Basurto, a Fresno-based tow truck operator, has waived his service fees for vehicles abandoned by drivers detained by federal immigration agents. Since the current surge in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity began on October 5, Basurto has absorbed costs that can reach $700 per incident. This amount excludes his time and the price of diesel, which currently stands at $8.49 per gallon. He estimates that he tows up to four vehicles a day at no charge to the owners.

Basurto, who founded Buena Vista Towing in 2019, said he acts from personal experience. He noted that he is the child of immigrants and worked in agriculture earlier in his life. He stated that he does not want to leave his community alone during the enforcement operation. The agency has designated this as a 45-day control operation covering a large portion of California. This timeline places the action just weeks before the upcoming midterm elections.

The Central Valley has seen a rise in detentions involving agricultural workers, gardeners, and construction laborers. More than 100 people have been taken into custody during this specific operation. Data indicates that the majority of those arrested by ICE since the start of the second Trump administration have no criminal records. Undocumented residents make up 12% of Fresno County's population, a group estimated at approximately 124,000 people.

Community members have organized informal support networks to fill the gaps left by local authorities. In Kerman, a town about 15 miles west of Fresno, a woman who sells tamales to field workers in the early morning has organized a group to prepare 500 meals. These meals consist of chicken, rice, beans, and corn tortillas for residents who are staying home to avoid detection. A Fresno housewife is also handling grocery shopping and school pickups for families afraid to leave their homes.

Gus Gutiérrez, a Fresno coach and social media entrepreneur known as Coach Gus, uses his Facebook page to share verified information about ICE activity. His posts, which link to legal and food assistance organizations, have garnered over 11 million visits. Gutiérrez, who lived without legal status for 25 years, said he decided to act immediately. He travels to areas including Visalia, Stockton, Reedley, and Mendota to relay information about suspicious vehicles or fundraising campaigns to his 44,000 followers.

Basurto continues to operate despite financial strain. He recently purchased 40 dozen eggs at a Fresno Costco and gave them away. One of his sons, who previously helped at the towing company, had to return to another job due to lower business activity from the free towing services. Basurto has friends who contribute money for fuel, and he waits for service calls in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant in central Fresno. He hopes to do more but notes his income is limited.

Alvarado, a resident of Kerman who arrived in 2022, organized the distribution of over 500 meals last week. She plans a larger delivery for October 20 to assist families who fear leaving their homes. Alvarado, who has legal status, still fears being stopped by agents. She previously raised $10,000 by selling 4,000 tamales to support families of seven farm workers killed in a car accident. Other volunteers include a market owner in Madera who offers free deliveries and guards his entrance to keep agents out, and a woman distributing fresh vegetables from a farm near Sanger.

Kerman Mayor María Pacheco recently negotiated with ICE agents to have them leave her city, an event that went viral after comedian George López shared it. Erika Emprendedora, a local volunteer, performs free grocery runs for about four families a day. She uses her Facebook page to alert 12,000 followers about ICE locations. She noted that her work is demanding because she also cares for her own family. These residents believe that immediate community action is necessary because elected officials have been slow to define their stance or provide direct aid.