As these incidents increase, especially in Red states, will public opinion turn more against mass deportation? Or will the Administration forge ahead? As these visible events proliferate, it will be more difficult for ICE to assert that it is pursuing criminals. From arresting rapists to preying on the innocent.
Iowa Hispanic festival cancelled
The VIVA Ottumwa Latino Festival, scheduled for June 19, was called off in early May by the League of United Latin American Citizens’ local chapter. Increased ICE enforcement led to the cancellation. “LULAC Ottumwa has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s VIVA Ottumwa Latino Festival. The organization cited concerns for the community’s safety and well-being during a time of ongoing uncertainty that continues to affect both documented and undocumented residents alike.” It would have been the 10th year of the festival in Ottumwa, where 4,100 Hispanics live. The Hispanic population has tripled in the past 14 years. Food and beverage plants provide jobs. (Go here and here.)
Chaotic scene at arrest in Worchester MA
“ICE agents detain one, two others arrested during chaotic scene in Worcester” was the Boston Globe headline on May 8. Rosane Ferreira de Oliveira, a Brazilian national was arrested. “Chaos erupted on a Worcester street Thursday when federal immigration agents apprehended and transferred a woman into an unmarked car…..Neighbors, activists, and local officials, including City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj, gathered at the scene, forming a human barrier around the ICE vehicle and demanding to see a warrant. The situation escalated when de Oliveira’s teenage daughter and Ashley Spring, a Worcester School Committee candidate, attempted to intervene. Both were arrested; the daughter faced charges including child endangerment, while Spring was charged with assaulting officers.”
A city council meeting on May 13 was held online instead of in City Hall due to the threat of disruptions.
Nashville restaurants closed because workers don’t show up.
“Trump Pal Kid Rock Forced to Close Nashville Restaurant as Undocumented Staff Bolt Over ICE Raids; Some managers are coordinating transportation for undocumented employees afraid to commute” was the headline in the Latin Times on May 16.
“Ahead of rumored ICE raids, managers at all three of [Steve Smith’s [Kid Rock’s business partner] establishments reportedly instructed employees without legal status to vacate the premises during the Saturday night rush. Many of those workers did not return for the rest of the weekend, fearing detention, which further strained an already short-staffed operation…..Around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, our manager came back and told anyone without legal status to go home. Events at the Ryman, Ascend, the Savannah Bananas’ baseball game all let out, and it was crazy busy. But there was no one in the kitchen to cook the food.”
Large worksite ICE raids in May to date (May 17)
Laredo, Texas – May 16 at two construction sites, arresting 31 migrants.
Washington, D.C. – May 6–9 Arrest of 189 individuals and the issuance of notices of inspection to 187 local businesses.
Central Florida – May 13 Some 33 immigrants arrested at construction sites near The Villages. At least 30 individuals fled the scene.