ROGERS, Ark. - Cristina Osornio faced one of her worst fears — being detained by ICE after her husband was deported. Living in Arkansas, just a few weeks after experiencing a strong hit to her family dynamics, she was held for days on an ICE hold due to a traffic stop for having no insurance and a suspended license. Despite being a legal permanent resident and mother of six, she found herself in a terrifying situation that many others in her community are now facing.
In Benton County, immigration enforcement has increased dramatically. Reports indicate that ICE partnered with local law enforcement leads to over 450 arrests in the area this year alone. The aftermath of these actions has been devastating for families, separating loved ones and creating widespread fear among immigrants.
Osornio's story reveals how a simple traffic stop can lead to life-altering consequences, showing a troubling increase in such detentions, especially affecting those with minor charges. The collaboration between local authorities and ICE has sparked significant concern over racial profiling and the targeting of immigrant communities, leaving many, including Osornio, feeling unsafe in their homes.
This partnership has also highlighted a more extensive trend, where local law enforcements are pressed into collaboration with ICE, influenced by political incentives and changes in immigration policy. In a climate where many immigrant families are being torn apart, the need for reform and heightened awareness about the impact of these policies is crucial.
In Benton County, immigration enforcement has increased dramatically. Reports indicate that ICE partnered with local law enforcement leads to over 450 arrests in the area this year alone. The aftermath of these actions has been devastating for families, separating loved ones and creating widespread fear among immigrants.
Osornio's story reveals how a simple traffic stop can lead to life-altering consequences, showing a troubling increase in such detentions, especially affecting those with minor charges. The collaboration between local authorities and ICE has sparked significant concern over racial profiling and the targeting of immigrant communities, leaving many, including Osornio, feeling unsafe in their homes.
This partnership has also highlighted a more extensive trend, where local law enforcements are pressed into collaboration with ICE, influenced by political incentives and changes in immigration policy. In a climate where many immigrant families are being torn apart, the need for reform and heightened awareness about the impact of these policies is crucial.
