BAKERSFIELD — The diner on 24th Street serves salsa as well as homemade jam, and cactus-leaf scrambles share a place on the menu with chicken-fried steak and eggs. Over the clatter of coffee cups, it’s difficult to tell which tables are chatting in Spanish and which in English.
To understand the complicated and emotional politics around immigration facing Representative Kevin McCarthy, elected as majority leader on Thursday, just listen to the customers here.