Protests Erupt in Phoenix Over Immigration Policies

Diana Spalacios, a Maricopa resident since December, shares her experience of finding a safe community for her family. With a background influenced by her father’s struggles as a Mexican immigrant, she reflects on the atmosphere of fear surrounding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions initiated in the 2010s.

“In those days, many stayed quiet,” she recalled, sitting at Copper Sky Regional Park. “People were scared to go into the streets.” While not an activist by nature, Spalacios feels compelled to speak out due to recent immigration actions that threaten families like hers.

She emphasized the uncomfortable reality many face: “People always ask why we don’t start our process legally. They don’t understand the fear of deportation hangs over all of us.” Her sentiments resonate with the anxiety prevalent in communities across the nation.

The current political climate, heavily influenced by the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies, has intensified this fear. With mass deportation operations and new border enforcement strategies, anxiety grips Maricopa—a diverse community situated 100 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border.

Spalacios’ concerns are echoed by local residents, including a food truck owner who requested anonymity due to fears of being targeted. “People are scared to come to work,” he explained. “That worry affects us all.” Anxiety persists even among those with legal status, with fears of harassment and potential deportation clouding their daily lives.

The Trump administration’s immigration overhaul, featuring revised and new policies, has legally empowered ICE to access “sensitive areas” such as schools and churches. One notable executive order interrupted the work of The Florence Project, a nonprofit aiding detained migrants in navigating the U.S. immigration system. The organization’s staff reported being barred from detention facilities, raising concerns about the procedural fairness for asylum seekers.

“This action ignores centuries of legal principles,” The Florence Project stated, criticizing the abrupt cut-off of its funding. Following legal challenges, the group regained access to detention centers on February 7.

The protests that erupted in Arizona are indicative of widespread dissatisfaction with the enforcement of immigration laws. Demonstrators united to voice concerns, with 15 Native Americans’ detainment in January causing particular alarm within the Maricopa community, which borders two Indian reservations.

Spalacios planned to attend her first protests, committed to advocating for those without a voice. “We’re here to fight for our parents,” she stated, reflecting a communal desire to shed light on the struggles faced by mixed-status families.

Nightly protests drew hundreds into the streets of Phoenix, Glendale, and Maryvale, capturing media attention. While many rallies remained peaceful, incidents of vandalism occurred, creating tension between demonstrators and law enforcement. “We want lawmakers to see that we’re standing up for our rights,” protester Darwin Guillen declared.

In response to heightened tensions, schools in Maricopa have addressed concerns over immigration policies. Superintendent Tracey Lopeman reaffirmed the district’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of all students, regardless of immigration status. The Supreme Court has upheld that all children are entitled to a free public education, a principle reinforced by federal laws requiring law enforcement to provide proper documentation before accessing student records.

Spalacios, reflecting on her long educational journey, recalled the traumatic impact of immigration policies from her childhood. Her father’s deportation left an indelible mark, a reminder of the precariousness many families face.

The rhetoric at a recent campaign event in Maricopa further exacerbated concerns. Monica Crowley, a Trump campaign surrogate, spoke about the administration’s aggressive stance on illegal immigration, highlighting historical incidents that raised alarms about the treatment of families during enforcement actions. Such statements resonate deeply with communities grappling with fear and uncertainty.

Sheriff Ross Teeple, recently elected in Pinal County, emphasized that local law enforcement does not conduct raids but rather targets specific individuals. However, his adherence to the Trump administration’s policies leaves many residents unsettled about their safety.

To counteract perceived threats, groups like Puente AZ have initiated training sessions for community members on immigration rights and awareness of ICE activities, fostering a collective response to enforcement issues affecting the area. This initiative aims to document any harassment experienced by community members, ensuring that their stories are heard.

The chilling effect of immigration policies is palpable in Maricopa, where fear looms over both documented and undocumented residents alike. Spalacios voiced her concern, stating, “Even as a citizen, treatment in public can feel hostile. The ongoing racism only discourages those striving for their dreams.”