Syracuse's Immigrant Community Faces Unprecedented Challenges

Syracuse has always been a city of welcome, a place where people from all over the world come to build a better life. This is a city that has embraced diversity and offered new opportunities to those seeking a fresh start. But now, the city is at a crossroads. The federal government's aggressive immigration policies are putting the safety of immigrant neighbors at risk. Stories of kidnappings and violations of due process are becoming all too common, not just across the United States, but right here in Central New York. Take the case of Alex Gonzalez and Yan Hidalgo. They are homeowners, union workers at SUNY Upstate Medical University, and taxpayers. They came to Syracuse to escape anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination in Cuba and to pursue a better life. Now, they are facing months-long detentions and possible deportation to a country where they will not be safe simply because of who they are. Immigrants are a vital part of the Syracuse community. They are agricultural workers, union members, small business owners, students, educators, and more. They are building the future of our community, keeping our economy going, and revitalizing our neighborhoods. They are the entrepreneurs of tomorrow, just as immigrants have been for generations in Syracuse. The Trump administration's immigration enforcement strategy is not about actual compliance with the law. It is about instilling fear in communities like Syracuse. It is about making as many people as possible scared to leave their homes and vulnerable to exploitation. For many immigrants and refugees, government-instilled fear is exactly why they fled their countries of origin and made a new home here in Syracuse.But Syracuse is not standing idly by. Community organizers, union leaders, and elected officials are working together to stand with immigrant neighbors and fight back. They are leading rallies, conducting legal trainings, and showing up to protect neighbors when ICE is at their door. They are connecting people with resources and organizing to make a difference. But more needs to be done. Business leaders and major employers must speak out against these failed federal policies. They must issue statements about why these policies are a threat to the economy. Businesses across the region rely on immigrant workers and customers. Silence will hurt their bottom lines as well as our neighborhoods. Law enforcement executives need to assert their independence and refuse to cooperate with ICE. Local leaders can ban their police agencies from entering into 287(g) agreements, which deputize local law enforcement to perform immigration enforcement. Elected leaders need to stand up and enact laws that safeguard the rights of New Yorkers and limit the ability of immigration enforcers to act in New York's public spaces. Everyone who is able should consider supporting community groups that provide services to the immigrant community. Whether through volunteering or donations, every little bit helps. One day, this will pass. In the meantime, Syracuse will continue to say with pride, "Syracuse bids you welcome" because those who support immigrant neighbors will continue to speak, continue to organize, and continue to fight back against reckless immigration policies.