In the past month, immigration agents have arrested hundreds of undocumented workers and immigrants in Southern California in sweeps conducted well inside the US/Mexico border that are causing widespread fear and charges of racial profiling in local immigrant and Latino communities.

We turn now to Southern California. In the past month, immigration agents have arrested hundreds of undocumented workers and immigrants in Southern California in sweeps that are causing widespread fear and charges of racial profiling in local immigrant and Latino communities.

The sweeps began on June 1 and have been conducted well inside the US/Mexico border. According to local papers, Border Patrol officials have picked up people at grocery stores, bus stops, and while walking down the street and driving in their cars. As many as 500 people have been arrested since the operation began. While there is significant fear in the immigrant and Latino communities, not everyone is staying home. Up to 10,000 people marched in protests in Ontario, Pomona, Pasadena and other cities.

• Nativo Lopez, executive director of the immigrant advocacy organization, Hermandad Mexicana Nacional based in Santa Ana. He is also the head of the Mexican American Political Association.