http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs ... 20311/1019

Hispanic immigrants fear deportation

By SUZAN CLARKE
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: May 22, 2005)


Rumors that immigration authorities are conducting sweeps of illegal immigrants in Rockland after a recent slaying have many undocumented laborers afraid to leave their homes.

Although Immigration and Customs Enforcement, part of the Department of Homeland Security, has denied conducting any operations in Rockland this month, heightened fear of the agency known in some Spanish-speaking communities as "la migra" has kept many off the streets and inside their homes.

"I have my kids. How am I going to take care of my children?" asked Sandra Tenas, a Guatemalan mother of two who lives in Spring Valley. "I am so afraid. I ask God to clear this up."

The fear of arrest â€â€