ICE Presence in Danbury Causes Community Fear and Anxiety

# ICE Raids Spark Fear in Danbury’s Immigrant Community

Federal immigration enforcement actions in Danbury have rattled Connecticut’s immigrant communities. Reports say ICE agents detained 12 to 15 people in just the past several days.

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Local activists documented these operations at multiple spots across the city. Community leaders, business owners, and elected officials are worried about the impact on families, businesses, and trust.

Wave of ICE Detentions Across Connecticut

Greater Danbury Unites for Immigrants has noticed a big spike in ICE activity around the city. Rapid response team members caught video of detainments on 5th Street, Moss Avenue, and White Street.

Several incidents happened near the Danbury Superior Courthouse. The ICE presence feels heavy, with 25 to 35 agents estimated to be operating in the area.

This enforcement surge isn’t just in Danbury. Other Connecticut communities have felt it too.

Statewide Impact of Enforcement Actions

People have reported similar incidents across Connecticut. A New Haven woman was detained while taking her kids to school.

In Southington, ICE detained four men at a car wash. Over in Meriden, agents took a high school student and his father into custody.

Community activists Juan Fonseca Tapia and Karen Hunter have spoken out, calling these detainments traumatic and likening them to “kidnappings.” It’s a strong reaction, but honestly, can you blame them?

Economic and Social Consequences

The heavy ICE presence has sparked a climate of fear. Local businesses are feeling it, too.

La Mexicana Bakery in Danbury says they’ve seen a steep drop in customers. Folks are steering clear of public places, worried about running into enforcement.

“When people are afraid to leave their homes, everyone suffers,” said a Stamford business owner who didn’t want to give their name. “We’ve seen our sales drop by nearly 40% in just one week.”

Historical Context in Danbury

This isn’t Danbury’s first brush with immigration enforcement drama. The city’s got a complicated history, including the “Danbury 11” case in 2006 and a 2009 deal that let local police help federal immigration authorities.

State Representative Farley Santos, who once lived undocumented, says these raids dig up old wounds for many residents. He also pointed out the economic strain on the community.

Businesses in Norwalk and Bridgeport have noticed the same trend—customers just aren’t coming in like before.

Divided Political Response

Local officials can’t seem to agree on the ICE operations. Representative Pat Callahan defended the enforcement, saying agents mostly go after people with criminal records.

But Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves, who also has experience as an undocumented immigrant, said neither his office nor the police chief got a heads-up about the ICE actions. He stressed that the city stands by law-abiding immigrants, no matter their status.

Community Support Networks Mobilizing

After the raids, community organizations in Waterbury and Hartford jumped in to help. They’re offering legal assistance, family support, and information to people who need it most.

“We’re establishing safe spaces where people can get reliable information and connect with legal resources,” said a community organizer from Greater Danbury Unites for Immigrants. “The most dangerous thing right now is misinformation and isolation.”

ICE officials haven’t commented on the recent enforcement actions. That leaves a lot of folks in the dark about what’s really happening, who might be targeted, or how long this will last in Connecticut.

Here is the source article for this story: ICE presence in Danbury leaves residents shaken: ‘Painful day’

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