What's been happening is the INS has been cracking down on immigrants throughout the Bay Area. It seems to be really willy-nilly to as they've been pretty much sweeping people up in nets regardless of whether they're legal or not. Or whether they are with their family. As a result, some people have been sent back while the rest of the families are still here. The sweeps have been so frequent and so all encompassing that local officials are saying that many people are afraid too leave their houses for fear of being caught in one of the raids.

The issue has galvanized local minority populations and has resulted in various marches and protests throughout the Bay Area. Including one by the Minutemen.