Most Latino immigrants in North Carolina were already isolated by fear even before CBP/ICE operations in North Carolina

Raleigh, NC —  A survey conducted by the organization, El Pueblo, shows that the Latino immigrant community in North Carolina was already living under a climate of widespread fear and isolation due to anti-immigrant policies, even before the mass arrests made in November by federal immigration agents in different cities of the state. 

The survey, conducted between August 9 and October 12 among 1,091 Latino immigrants living in Wake County and other areas in the state, reveals that the level of concern of this community increased this year due to anti-immigrant policies at the federal and state levels. 

71% of respondents said they were more concerned now than last year and among their top concerns most cited fear of family separation, the presence of immigration agents in their neighborhood and being detained or deported. 

The survey also shows greater isolation and vulnerability among Latino immigrants due to the fear generated by anti-immigrant policies.  

Most respondents said that due to this fear they stopped taking family outings (39% responses), attending community events (27%) and avoided asking for help (23%) or reporting abuses (20%). 

“That widespread fear and tendency to self-isolate seems to be just the tip of the iceberg of more serious consequences of anti-immigrant policies and the inhumane campaign of mass deportations that our community faces,” said Karina Neyra, director of Community Investment at El Pueblo. “A situation that can only have worsened after the mass arrests made in November in the state and that will surely have a long-term impact on the mental health and well-being of immigrant families.” 

The survey also reveals the growing needs of the Latino immigrant community in the state from information about their rights to legal services, health care, work and food. 

“The survey data shows how our community is becoming increasingly marginalized and vulnerable as a result of anti-immigrant policies,” said Helen, a political organizer with El Pueblo. “Not only do they avoid seeking help and reporting abuses for fear of immigration consequences, but they already have no access to any public benefits, while their challenges are mounting.” 

The survey also showed a rejection of policies that force state and local agencies and authorities to collaborate with federal immigration agencies.  

66% of respondents said their top request to local elected officials to help the immigrant community would be not to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

In addition, 55% asked for more relief programs for immigrants and 41% asked for more services in Spanish. 

The community survey conducted by El Pueblo is available on its website www.elpueblo.org  

El Pueblo conducted this survey to better understand the needs and concerns of the Latino immigrant community in and around Wake County, after launching their Sefe Families emergency guide earlier this year, which contains information on individual’s rights, what to do in the event of an arrest by immigration agents, and how to make a family plan to face possible detention or deportation.