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Butler Co. Hispanic Community Reacts To Crackdown On Illegal Immigration

LAST UPDATE: 6/7/2006 12:39:09 AM

Butler County's Hispanic community is reacting to the recent crackdown on illegal immigration.

Many Spanish speakers are simply leaving the county, job sites are still, and church pews are empty.

Yet, some warn there's an even more concerning trend.

Local 12's Joelle Girone shows how a breakdown of trust may affect those here illegally and legally.

"The main thing you notice with the people is a sense of fear," said Father Manuel Viera, Catholic priest.

That fear, according to some, is driving many Hispanics out of Butler County and into surrounding communities.

"We have received calls as to I'm not going to that meeting because...,"said Father Viera. "I will not be at liturgy or mass because.."

Father Manuel Viera says many Spanish-speaking residents are finding it nearly impossible to operate inside Butler County. He says the anxiety is overwhelming, so, people are on the move.

"Looking somewhere else for employment. Some have lost their jobs."

Joelle Girone: "The Butler County crackdown on illegals isn't just forcing workers to other areas. Even churchgoers seem to be vanishing."

Father Viera says nearly 500 people once filled the pews inside this Hamilton church. He says after the recent Tri-State immigration raids, attendance dropped dramatically. Around 100 people are gone.

He says another reality is a community which now doesn't trust the police, and will not report crime, including domestic violence.

"For fear that attached to the domestic violence and trying to defend themselves, you also have the issue of immigration."

Many children are caught in the mix. Butler County is accomplishing its mission to keep illegal immigrants from wanting to live and work there. Yet, some say the method may be a mistake.

"Fear is the great destroyer."

The city of Hamilton has just over 60,000 residents. It's estimated as many as 10,000 are Hispanic.