Anti-Immigration Tension in Snohomish Erodes Safety and Trust: The Community Responds

[eridani]

http://www.washblog.com/story/2007/9/21/131744/236

Mark Hintz, Chair of Snohomish County Democrats, encouraged Democrats in a recent email message to attend a community meeting in Lynnwood this Saturday, 9/22/07. The meeting, sponsored by Community to Community Development (C2C) and Washington CAN!, is convened to provide an opportunity for community discussion on immigration-related issues in the area, including the unnannounced presence in Lynnwood this past Friday of federal agents believed by some to be Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.


Tension over immigration has been on the rise in Snohomish County - including in the City of Lynnwood. Immigration raids, law enforcement response to gang activity, and Homeland Security response to anti-terrorism activities have contributed to the erosion of community trust and relationships. Daily life has been affected for many people, especially Latinos. In some areas of Snohomish County, for example, you are likely to be asked for proof of citizenship even in a routine traffic stop if you look Latino. There is a sense of intimidation and even fear among people in some communities.