Hispanic community on edge, some even avoiding school and work
By: Jessica Gertler
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fear is only mounting amongst the Hispanic community in Shelby County as
rumors and uncertainty are keeping families and their children at home.
“Everybody is terrified. They’re scared to come out,” said Memphis activist Jose Salazar. “It’s horrible, especially when you have kids asking what is going to happen.”
During President Donald Trump’s last term, Salazar stood amongst protestors when there was a rise in reported Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity.
ICE said then agents were conducting local operations to arrest those who entered the country illegally or those with criminal histories or gang ties. Salazar and others in the community didn’t agree with their story.
“I didn’t think I would relive it again so soon,” Salazar said Monday. “It’s really overwhelming seeing all the people scared here. We are hearing stories, hearing kids crying.”
Just like last time, rumors and misinformation are spreading. It’s fueling fear and anxiety.
ICE raids continue to sweep other major U.S. cities as a series of bills recently passed in Tennessee.
“They focus primarily on those illegal immigrants who violated federal law by coming here illegally but who also committed heinous crimes,” TN Rep. William Lamberth (R-Portland) said during the special session last week.
According to a press release, the bills ” strengthen immigration enforcement,” “incentivizes local governments to enter into agreements with federal authorities,” and makes it a felony for local officials to “adopt or maintain sanctuary city policies.”
“Let’s send a message that Tennessee is not going to put up with illegal immigration anymore,” TN Rep. Robert Stevens (R-Smyrna) added during the session.
Some law enforcement agencies have been speaking out. Tipton County Sheriff’s Office said it will report all known undocumented immigrants to ICE.
We reached out to Memphis Police and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office several days ago, particularly about their programs initiated to build relationships with the immigrant and Hispanic communities. We have yet to hear back.
This round, Trump has removed restrictions and is allowing ICE to now enter places like hospitals, churches and schools.
“I know at my school, we were missing over 500 students in a single day,” said local teacher Noah Nordstrom.
Nordstrom said that was Friday when there were rumors ICE raids were happening.
“I had students, not of only immigrant background, really worried and asking me if their friends are going to be okay,” Nordstrom said. “This whole political narrative about immigrants going on nationwide is absolutely vilifying my students and their families. It’s such a shame, because when you get to know them, they are some of the most incredible people.”
Memphis Shelby County Schools sent a letter Friday. They made it clear immigration officials will not be given access to students or their records unless legally required.
WREG reached out to the district again Monday, but never heard back.
“Just imagine for a second. You are a teacher thinking about the idea of someone coming to your door and asking to take one of your students to arrest them,” Nordstrom said. “It’s worrisome.”
Nordstrom said his students were among many immigrants locally and nationally who stayed at home Monday. They wanted to show what it would look like if they were no longer here.
Salazar said he is working to squash any misinformation and keep the community calm. He’s afraid this is just the beginning.
“The immigrants are the ones that are out there picking the foods, building the homes, building all these companies around here. Eventually, we’ll start seeing the effect,” Salazar said. “We’re organizing right now. We’re we’re creating alliances with other nonprofits, with other groups in the city as well as in the state and at a national level.”
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