Columbus Residents Mobilize to Support Latinx Community Amid ICE Raids

By Janell Williams

In response to a wave of recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Columbus, local residents and advocacy groups have stepped up to provide resources, legal assistance and safety information to immigrants—both documented and undocumented—living in the area.

Efforts have been launched by the Latino Caucus of the Democratic Party of Georgia to educate individuals on their legal rights and offer guidance on how to respond if confronted by immigration officials. Volunteers have been distributing “Know Your Rights” cards to educate those who could be affected of their rights and how they can respond if approached by ICE officers.

"People are worried, they're scared and some are being ripped away from their families," Alexandra Valdes said. "The way to combat that is to give knowledge, which leads to power, to the Latinx community. Let people know and exercise their rights."

Local officials and advocacy leaders have urged affected individuals to remain calm, avoid unnecessary risks and seek guidance from reputable sources. Local organizations are planning to host a community meeting to further discuss available resources and ways to support those in need.

"There are some real concerns for our families here in our community. There's a push for mass deportations in the nation, and, unfortunately, we've begun to feel that here in Columbus," said Danny Arencibia, Chair of the Latino Caucus of the Democratic Party of Georgia. "No one should have to be afraid or to live in fear. Everyone has rights."

Local schools in Alabama issued information to teachers and principals indicating that the ICE agents must come to the school office and present a warrant with the correctly spelled name of a student before information can be provided about current students. Still, schools are reporting that 60 or more of their Latino students have been absent since President Trump took office.

The Latino Caucus is currently urging residents to be vigilant and report anyone they know or see being detained by ICE with no probable cause. They are looking into the criminal history, if there is one, for individuals to see if their detaining is justified and how they can help.

These concerns will also be brought up at the 3rd Annual Latino Day at the Capitol hosted by GALEO and the Latino Community Fund (LCF).

For more local information or assistance, individuals can contact Danny Arencibia at dannyvotes@gmail.com

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