SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- The deadly and devastating wildfires in Southern California exposed a major problem in protecting some members of the public from harm.
As the fires blackened half a million acres, reducing thousands of homes to rubble, undocumented immigrants were particularly vulnerable.
Undocumented immigrants in San Diego found very little refuge as they fled the flames that surrounded homes and businesses. Some were arrested as they sought help.
According to the New York Times, the American Civil Liberties Union received reports of people being denied help at shelters because they lacked proper identification. This occurred as Mexican firefighters assisted American firefighters battling a blaze on the border separating the two countries.
Undocumented immigrants play an important role in the economy of San Diego County. Migrant workers pick fruit and vegetables, or work as day laborers, doing many jobs that citizens find unappealing.
A U.C. San Diego political scientist told the New York Times, "San Diego likes its illegal migrants as invisible as possible."
Last week's fires drew attention to their presence and exposed their vulnerability.
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KCBS’ Dave Padilla reports on Southern California’s illegal immigrant population
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