The Kansas Immigration Coalition aims to educate immigrants about their rights to combat deportation fears.
Esmerelda Tovar-Mora, the executive director of Hutch in Harmony, shared her personal experience as a DACA recipient. She’s seen how deportation affects families in her community. “Last year, many kids in our school lost a parent to deportation, and it’s heartbreaking,” she said.
Yeni Silva-Renteria from the International Rescue Committee was also there, emphasizing the need for everyone, not just immigrants, to understand the potential impacts of deportation. The threat looms over many in Kansas, affecting entire communities, not just individuals.
According to research, over 80,000 undocumented immigrants live in Kansas, playing vital roles in local communities and the workforce. Tovar-Mora highlighted the emotional toll of deportation, saying it tears families apart.
The coalition aims to empower people with knowledge about their rights. They want everyone to know what they can do to protect themselves and their families. The Wichita Police Department reassured attendees that they don’t typically check immigration status during routine stops, focusing instead on serious crimes.
The Coalition shared important tips for knowing your rights, like staying calm during encounters with law enforcement and understanding the difference between a judge’s warrant and other documents.
