Immigrant community scarce after federal crackdown

[Brian503a]

http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJ ... 042606.htm

April 26, 2006

Immigrant community scarce after federal crackdown

By MARIA HERRERA
Staff Writer

PIERSON -- At the local taco shop, only the owners and a few non-Hispanic customers ate lunch in the small dining room.

It's a rare sight at the unassuming eatery in the heart of Pierson, a hangout for migrant fern cutters and construction workers.

"It could be the rumors," fern cutter Marcelino Gil said. "In the morning, the Handy Way (gas station) is always packed with people and workers. Not today."

After several demonstrations brought hundreds of undocumented workers out of the shadows and into the streets of DeLand in support of immigration reform earlier this month, a rash of rumors that immigration officials carried out several raids have pushed illegal immigrants back into darkness. Community leaders in the area believe news that federal immigration authorities arrested 183 fugitives and other illegal immigrants across Florida last week also explains the sudden retreat.

Federal authorities did arrest four fugitives in Volusia County last week who had already been ordered deported; however, the arrests were not part of a work site enforcement operation targeting undocumented workers, said Barbara Gonzalez, a spokeswoman with the Department of Homeland Security's Detention and Removal office in Miami.

The new strategy of tracking down fugitives who authorities had already intended on deporting is the second phase of the Secure Border Initiative, a plan to secure the nation's borders and reduce illegal immigration.

"We are trying to beef up enforcement," said Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson Pam McCullough, noting that the efforts are part of a comprehensive enforcement strategy unveiled by the department of Homeland Security last week.

Meanwhile, "People are scared," said Ana Bolanos, executive director of a women's advocacy group, who believes the rumors may be unfounded. "I've gotten many calls, but no one would confirm anything or point out who they heard it from."

Maria Mendoza, a preschool teacher with Seville Migrant Headstart, said an acquaintance called her to say immigration officials had taken 45 people from a Palm Coast work site.

When her family returned from work, Mendoza said she stopped worrying.

Pierson Farmworker Association coordinator Marcos Crisantos said he has not received any solid information.

"We haven't gotten a call from someone saying immigration took their cousin, husband, brother," said Crisantos. "We think we're just dealing with rumors."

In communities were misinformation reigns and fear governs the life of many farmworkers, rumors are spreading.

"We got calls that (immigration enforcement) raided Wal-Mart and one of the largest nurseries," Fort Worth-based Migrant Farmworker Justice Project attorney Greg Shell said of the havoc rumors have caused in South Florida agricultural areas such as Homestead. "All of it turned out to be totally inaccurate."

Although Shell doesn't believe last week's arrests intended to discourage people from rallying Monday, when immigrants nationwide are urged to oppose certain immigration reform by not working, opening their business or purchasing any goods, he said this would be a good time to keep a low profile.

"I wouldn't walk out with a Mexican or Guatemalan flag unless you're legal," Shell said.

maria.herrera@news-jrnl.com

[dataman]

Immigrant community scarce after federal crackdown

If we were really lucky, they would make themselves scarce in Mexico.

[BldHnd]

OK its been said before but i will repeat it. Call your local Hispanic radio station and give out locations (fake) that ICE or other agencys have been spotted. Give Cross street locations of unmarked Vans and Cars. This will work before any May 1st march. It works in (2) ways one if they do anounce the locations then the Illegals stay in the shadows and if they dont give out the locations and some type of bust does take place even if not at that location then they must start to protect thier people and announce the locations the next time. Sure there may not be anyone really there but you are just doing your civic duty to help inform the people . It is an old tactic but it can work :P .