GOSHEN, Ind. (WNDU) – More than 600 people packed the Goshen Theater on Tuesday night for a community forum on immigration organized by the Goshen City Democratic Party.
The standing-room-only event addressed concerns about the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies and their impact on undocumented immigrants in Indiana.
Personal stories highlight community fears
Attendees shared personal stories about facing deportation threats and offered support to affected community members. The forum featured immigrant stories from Hispanic Goshen College students and highlighted legal, healthcare and advocacy resources.
“It’s not about immigrants. It’s not about white or Black. It’s about humanity. What happened to New York, Minnesota, that can happen here in Goshen, Indiana,” said Jean Renel Momperousse, an immigrant from Haiti.
Rafael Barahona, a past chair with the Goshen Chamber of Commerce, said he has been evaluating his family’s safety despite his legal status.
“Despite my longevity and legal status, I have been evaluating my own and my family’s safety in this country. There are plenty of documented examples that almost anyone can be a target, regardless of your age, race, status, or ability to speak. I have felt frustration, sadness and anger having to contemplate whether I should stay,” Barahona said.
Legal professionals express concerns
Felipe Merino, an immigration and criminal defense attorney for Stanford University, said he carries his U.S. passport due to current conditions.
“It doesn’t matter that I went to Stanford University, it doesn’t matter that I went to Notre Dame Law School, I have to carry my United States passport. I’m embarrassed to have to carry this with me,” Merino said.
Jane Ross Richer, an immigrant resource coordinator for the Center for Healing and Hope, referenced civil rights leaders in her remarks.
“So as Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez taught us to believe, ‘Si se Puede.’ Yes we can,” Richer said.
Community support efforts
Citali Hernandez, a founder for Voces Fuertes, said she hopes the forum spreads awareness about Goshen’s support for migrants.
“I really hope that people open their minds and that this helps spread the word and says to the cities around us that Goshen cares about migrants,” Hernandez said.
Speakers encouraged residents to support immigrant neighbors. The Center for Healing and Hope hosts a Circles of Care program for residents interested in helping immigrants in Elkhart County acclimate to the area.
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