Patterson's voting record regarding ICE

Assemblyman Joe Patterson is officially running for reelection in District 5, which encompasses portions of Placer and El Dorado counties. I wish to share my past experience as his constituent and highlight his voting record with respect to ICE. On July 18, 2025, Patterson emailed me in response to an email I sent to him, shown below: "Please tell me where you stand on President Trump sending the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles. Please also advise me on where you stand regarding ICE agents taking people off of the streets, wearing no identifying uniforms or badges and their full face masks hiding their identity. I will tell you that I am fearful when law enforcement looks and behaves like vigilantes and are arresting people for what appears to be the color of their skin. What is there to stop lawless citizens from terrorizing citizens by claiming they work for ICE? As your constituent I want to know where you stand on this issue and what actions you are taking to protect us. I look forward to hearing from you." Patterson's response to my letter was terse and dismissive. "Regarding allegations of their conduct, I really can't comment on their operations. Despite whatever narrative someone wants to believe, the reality is I have no insight into their enforcement." And, "The state government has no authority over operations of federal law enforcement and I will not participate in performative politics and jeopardize the safety of those serving." Patterson, by his own admission, has "no insight into their operation," which displays a lack of concern about events impacting California citizens. Stating that he "… will not participate in performative politics" evades my questions using dismissive buzzwords. In September 2025, Patterson voted NO on SB 627 and NO on SB 805. These two bills would ban local, out-of-state and federal law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings and require the officers be readily identifiable. Both bills contain common sense exceptions for law enforcement. The events in LA and Minneapolis in context with Patterson's voting record provides voters with vital information on the ideology of Joe Patterson with respect to our ethnically diverse community with many at risk, based on the color of their skin. Emily Gaber Auburn