A Waitress's World Turned Upside Down

In the small farming town of Kennett, Missouri, life took an unexpected turn for a woman known as Carol. She was a familiar face at John's Waffle and Pancake House, where she worked tirelessly. Her absence one morning raised eyebrows, as she was always punctual. Carol had been a part of this conservative community for two decades, having moved from Hong Kong. She had built a life here, working hard to support her family. She juggled two waitressing jobs and even cleaned houses on the side. Her mornings started early at the diner, serving up pecan waffles and warm smiles to her regulars. Her English had improved over the years, thanks to her habit of reading old newspapers left behind by customers. It was clear that Carol was well-liked and known by many in Kennett. She had even made friends with local officials, including Lisa Dry, a city councilwoman. Carol's life changed dramatically on April 30. Federal immigration officials contacted her, asking her to visit their office in St. Louis. This was a three-hour drive from Kennett. Her partner, who was from Guatemala, had doubts about the call. But Carol decided to face the situation head-on. She did not want to run away. Instead, she chose to do what she thought was right. This decision led to her detention, leaving her community in shock. It was a stark reminder of the challenges faced by immigrants, even in small, close-knit towns like Kennett. It is important to consider the impact of immigration policies on individuals and communities. It is also crucial to recognize the contributions of immigrants to their adopted hometowns.