Category: kesq-local-news

Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – After recent immigration sweeps and arrests have been made by masked law enforcement officers, some are concerned about the trust between police and the community.

“I’m not going to evaluate their tactics, but it’s not something that we would do here,” Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said of the actions taken by federal agents.

“We have no power over telling them how or when to do their job. And the federal government can come in and do their job as they’ve been tasked by Congress as well as the White House,” Mills continued.

Mills has made it clear in the past that the Palm Springs Police Department does not participate in immigration enforcement. He also expressed confidence that the partnership between his department and the Palm Springs community will remain strong.

“I think that local law enforcement has the confidence of our community because we have been here. We will be here in the future. And we know that the community knows that we will stand with them,” reassured the chief.

News Channel 3 is digging deeper on the relationship local law enforcement agencies have with the Coachella Valley community. Stay with us for the latest.

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Jesus Reyes

MECCA, Calif. (KESQ) – The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a large investigation at several illegal marijuana operations near Thermal Wednesday morning.

In an update, the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division said, “Preliminary numbers, subject to change, are as follows: 70 to 75 undocumented migrants were arrested. At least one US citizen was arrested for impeding law-enforcement. The operations covered 787 acres.”

“The Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division (Riverside DO) is leading a vast investigation, which involves multiple illegal marijuana grow operations, in the area of Thermal, CA,” the DEA wrote in a statement to News Channel 3.

DEA LA Field Division is leading a vast investigation involving multiple illegal marijuana grow operations in Thermal. The operation is authorized by federal search warrants signed by a federal magistrate judge from @USAO_LosAngeles based on a submission from @USAO_LosAngeles. pic.twitter.com/qSa3EIsSD2

— DEALosAngeles (@DEALOSANGELES) June 18, 2025

Unmarked law enforcement vehicles, military vehicle, and a helicopter in Mecca just before 11 a.m. in Mecca (6/18/25)

Wednesday morning, News Channel 3 received multiple reports of a large group of federal agents, including ICE and Border Patrol, and military vehicles in the eastern Coachella Valley area.

Military and unmarked law enforcement vehicles staged in Indio (6/18/25)

DEA officials confirmed this was not an ICE operation; however, our crews at the scene confirmed ICE and Border Patrol agents were at the scene and in the area as well.

“Due to the magnitude & topography of this operation, DEA has requested support from multiple federal partners. The nature of this evolving investigation limits the information we are able to provide at this point,” reads a DEA statement.

STATEMENT FROM SUPERVISOR MANUEL PEREZ ON RAIDS:

“ICE raids that occurred on June 18, 2025 are causing fear and widespread disruption in communities in the Coachella Valley. Reports recount aggressive migrant operations, including a raid at a Food 4 Less in Indio, targeting the most vulnerable communities like farm workers. These actions, carried out by masked agents with paramilitary tactics, are completely unnecessary in communities filled with working people. These raids are inhumane and destabilizing.

There is no plan, no organization, no respect for due process guarantees. We urgently call on our federal leaders to stand up for our community in the face of the Trump administration, for transparency and accountability, and to put an immediate end to these traumatic operations that separate families and sow discord.

We are in touch with our local partners, TODEC and the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice. Both organizations provide resources, including legal assistance for our migrant community. Visit Riverside County’s Immigration Resource Web for the list of resources and assistance..

Today and always, we show our support for the migrant community.”

We’ll have the latest updates at 5 and 6 pm on News Channel 3.

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Luis Avila

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Dozens of people gathered outside Rep. Ken Calvert’s Palm Desert office to hold a food drive and protest possible SNAP cuts under the so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’ Advocates say the cuts would impact thousands of families across the Coachella Valley.

Several attendees sharing personal experiences, explaining how the program supported them through challenging times.

“As a little girl, I lost my father at age 9. He was only 45, my mom was 38 with 6 kids. We had no choice but to go on SNAP and not only that but government housing. It was very difficult.”

Pati Ortiz, La Quinta resident

“My mother is 101 years old. We depend on the SNAP program for food support. They’ve already cut her food budget by over half since last year.”

Evanne Levin, Rancho Mirage resident

Organizers pointing to the number of local residents enrolled in SNAP, about 13 percent of Riverside County, as a reason to keep funding intact. Within Calvert’s 41st district, 95,000 people receive SNAP benefits.

“This is not a huge benefit that people are getting but it is a lifesaving amount of money for them… If our citizens are hungry, it’s not wasteful to feed them. We have no problem donating to good causes and this a good cause. This strengthens our community.”

Christine Massey, organizer

Wednesday’s protest was combined with a food drive benefiting local food banks, which advocates say could see increased demand if federal assistance is reduced.

But organizers say donations alone won’t solve the problem, and are hoping their message is heard.

“Be humane. You may not have been at that point where you need the food to eat to survive, but there’s  plenty of people that need it. If you have a soul, please, be humane.”

Pati Ortiz, La Quinta resident

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Thursday, June 19, is Juneteenth marking the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom. Since then, Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and a recognition of the end of slavery.

Local Black-owned businesses and organization says the federal holiday impacts them greatly and makes them recognize the opportunities their ancestors sacrifice opened.

“Our ancestors fought for stuff like this,” Rico Pereira, the owner of Ricos Westcoastwash. “For the right to have that ability to get out and get it on your own. Don’t always have to fit into that 9 to 5, or the American dream per se..and you can get the most out of what you put out.”

It’s those opportunities Tim Vincent, the president of the Brothers of the Desert board says the federal holiday empowers them to continue creating.

“It really shapes how we continue to do the work,” Vincent said. “We just created our own brothers of the desert scholarship…it just makes me think of how important that it is to really continue to move forward.”

Brothers of the Desert is a non-profit organization supporting Black gay men and their allies in the Coachella Valley, and their new scholarship help students in this group. Vincent says the importance of Juneteenth goes beyond celebrating the historical significance of Black people, but it’s to support all marginalized groups.

Vincent and Pereira say the best think people can do in the community is to get educated on Juneteenths history and join the celebration – something they think people need to do more of.

“I think some don’t care to know and then some don’t take the extra step to learn,” Pereira said. “So I think just taking that first step.”

Many local businesses are joining with the City of Palm Springs to celebrate Juneteenth from Thursday to Saturday with the Palm Springs Village Fest, Kings and Queens Pageant, Concert in the Park, R&B brunch and more.

News Channel 3 is highlighting local Black-owned businesses and speaking of the importance of Juneteenth for them.

For more Black-owned businesses in the Coachella Valley like Ricos Westcoastwash visit here.

Events in Palm Springs for Juneteenth:

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Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — As temperatures near the hottest parts of the season, Palm Springs’s homeless population is struggling to stay cool.

This week, Palm Springs reached highs of 117 degrees and for one local veteran battling homelesness, it’s been a rude awakening.

“There is support out there, you just really have to find it. You do your best to go out there and provide a blanket of freedom for them to sleep under it and to come out here and see the reality of it, it breaks my heart,” Steven, a local homeless veteran said.

Matt Naylor with Well In The Desert, a local nonprofit that provides free daily meals, says the population they’ve seen has only grown, with 435 people served from January 1 to June 1.

He says cold water and shelter with air conditioning is paramount in keeping people safe, but says accessibility to shelters and cooling centers needs to improve.

“The best thing is to have cooling stations with lots of water that are easy to walk to. So one of the problems is we don’t have enough resources for transportation.”

Unhoused folk say shelters with strict rules about pets and personal belongings also prevent them from seeking help.

News Channel 3 took those concerns to Palm Springs Police, who enforce in the area. Lt. Michael Torres says they have seen the need increase, but it can be difficult providing help to those who don’t want it.

“Homelessness is not just about having a home. It’s about mental health. There’s also a substance abuse aspect to this whole thing. There’s a multi-pronged approach we’re taking,” Lt. Torres said.

Torres says they work with the county to provide mental health and addiction resources, but they need people to accept them before the work starts.

Another problem? The department’s five emergency shelter beds can sometimes fill up, leaving those who want help without a place to sleep.

As temperatures continue to rise, News Channel 3 will continue to follow the impact hot temperatures have on the Valley’s homeless population.

For more information on the city’s cooling centers, visit: https://www.palmspringsca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/7835/23

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Allie Anthony

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)– The Palm Springs Unified School District is hosting a summer job fair today from 9 to 11 a.m. at the district office, where job seekers can explore a variety of opportunities.

The district office is located at 150 District Center Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264.

The event is focused on filling both substitute and permanent roles, including substitute teachers, nutrition services employees, and groundskeepers. News Channel 3 spoke with Clayton Hill, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, who shared advice for applicants. “Bring some passion. Connect your background to what we offer in the school district,” Hill said. “Certainly advocate for yourself and speak to your qualities and why you’re a good addition to the district .”

If you can’t attend today’s event, a second job fair will be held on July 16.

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Shay Lawson

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ)  – Masked officers detained at least one man during an operation on Tuesday.

The law enforcement action prompted concerns from some community members.

The incident, captured on video and sent to News Channel 3, shows a bystander repeatedly asking for badge numbers from the officers, who said they aren’t from the area.

The viewer who sent in the video stated that the incident occurred in Cathedral City.

The TODEC Legal Center, corroborated this information saying that one person was arrested and that they are providing legal assistance to the family members.

Rosa Elena Sahagun, attorney, said she’s seeing an increase in similar encounters, particularly in the Coachella Valley.

“You should ask who they are and why you’re being detained,” Sahagun said. “That is very important.”

She said while people do have the right to know who is detaining them, she’s not seeing law enforcement honor that right.

“Under this current government, our rights are being trampled daily and families are being abducted,” Sahagun said.

Officials have not yet confirmed which agency conducted the detention.

Sahagun said she plans to continue monitoring the situation and provide legal support for those affected.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has said it prioritizes the arrest and removal of non-citizen criminals, particularly those who pose a threat to public safety or national security.

This includes individuals with criminal convictions, those with pending criminal charges, and those who have violated immigration laws, such as re-entering the U.S. after deportation.

ICE says it also focuses on identifying and removing individuals who have engaged in fraudulent activities related to immigration.

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Haley Meberg

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) has introduced a new program called “Dogs Day Out,” where shelter dogs are given the chance to take a field trip and get a break from the kennels. 

Research from VCA Charities has shown that dogs who are taken out into the community are five times more likely to be adopted than those who stay solely in the kennels. Through this program, adoptable dogs are taken out into the community on field trips that are designed for their specific temperament and demeanor.

This program takes place in Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter and the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus with hopes of modeling the preexisting program “FIDO” located at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus. 

“Our team is working hard to enhance our foster programs, and we are excited for the community to have more opportunities to take part in lifesaving,” said RCDAS Animal Services Manager Candace Falkenstien. “We have so many dogs who need time outside of their kennels, and with the public’s help we can get more dogs into loving homes and save lives.”

RivCo’s animal shelters have been dealing with severe overflow issues, with their sites reaching 207% capacity. Kennels can house up to 2 or 3 dogs per unit, with these animals living in them for over 100 days at a time. To combat this issue, RCDAS has called out for community support in hopes of reaching their goal of a 90% live release rate following their “no kill” standard for animal shelters. 

“Community support and action are both key to helping RivCo dogs and becoming a no-kill community,” said Fifth District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez. “I see so many amazing dogs entering our shelters, and I know there are amazing people who can give them an outlet and get them into good homes.”

While staff and volunteers on site take the animals out of their kennels throughout the day there is still a large need for community help to provide these dogs a break from the shelters and reduce the animals’ stressors. 

Through the “Dogs Day Out” program supplies will be provided to the volunteers as well as additional support from the foster team to help match participants with adoptable pets. Volunteers can begin making appointments June 18th and June 20th. To learn more about this program visit www.rcdas.org/dog-day-out

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Tori King

Deadly roadways. Fatal crashes continue to rise, according to the California Highway Patrol.

In efforts to get drivers to be safer, CHP is rolling out a new fleet of patrol vehicles.

However, these aren’t your regular patrol vehicles and we give you an inside look.

News Channel 3’s Tori King brings you an I-Team report, CHP Next Generation.

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Kendall Flynn

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Drivers and residents in Cathedral City can expect delays eastbound on E Palm Canyon Drive from June 16 to mid-July for construction. While local businesses say it can be a nuisance to residents, it doesn’t impact their business.

The Cathedral Cove Center is set to be added to the city, with businesses including Chipotle, Starbucks and Farmer Boys. But in order to complete the construction, the roadway will have to be reduced to one lane between Cathedral Canyon Drive and Date Palm Drive.

Local businesses say they are excited for the new additions to downtown. While some may say it’s competition, they say it’ll bring more foot traffic in their doors.

“Having another businesses come around actually helps,” Nanfer Garcia said, the general manager of Desert Thai. “It’s never a competition thing, or who gets more who gets less. It’s just helping each other out as much as we can.” 

Louie Caprizzi, the owner of Caprizzi’s agrees with Garcia and says he’s a firm believer the more business, the better – something he’s experienced benefiting his shop in Downtown Cathedral City.

“When I came here 10 years ago, this property was struggling. The whole downtown was,” Caprizzi said. “But since the casino came and now we’re getting a couple of fast food restaurants across the street…it’s been great.”

City officials are advising residents to take alternative routes if the construction will heavily impact their travel.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from local businesses on how the construction will impact them during the summer, and how the new center could increase business.

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