Minnesota State Representative Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley, the first Kenyan American elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, said many immigrant families are living in constant anxiety amid heightened immigration enforcement actions that have seen increased arrests and removals.
Speaking amid ongoing federal operations targeting undocumented immigrants, Hiltsley noted that the fear extends beyond those without legal status. According to her, even families with valid documentation or mixed immigration status are afraid to go about their daily lives due to uncertainty over enforcement tactics.
She explained that reports from community members indicate parents are afraid to take their children to school, attend medical appointments or go to work, worried that they could be stopped or detained. The lawmaker said this climate of fear is disrupting family life, education and economic stability within immigrant neighborhoods.
The concerns come as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement intensifies operations in Minnesota, particularly within the Minneapolis St. Paul metropolitan area. The enforcement drive has drawn national attention following several controversial incidents, including reports of individuals being detained during early morning raids and cases where U.S. citizens were temporarily held before their status was verified.
Community leaders and civil rights groups have criticised the manner in which some operations are being carried out, arguing that aggressive tactics undermine trust between immigrants and authorities. They say the approach has led to widespread panic, with some families choosing to remain indoors for extended periods to avoid potential encounters with enforcement officers.
Hiltsley, who immigrated to the United States from Kenya before entering public service, said the emotional toll on children is particularly worrying. She pointed out that young people are experiencing stress and trauma from the possibility of being separated from their parents, adding that such fears can have long term consequences on mental health and academic performance.
The lawmaker has called for more humane and transparent immigration enforcement policies, urging authorities to consider the human cost of deportation crackdowns. She also encouraged lawmakers to engage immigrant communities in dialogue and ensure that enforcement actions respect constitutional rights.
While federal officials maintain that immigration laws must be enforced to ensure national security and public safety, critics insist that enforcement should not come at the expense of community well being and family unity.
As the debate over immigration enforcement continues across the United States, Hiltsley’s remarks reflect growing concern among leaders from immigrant backgrounds who say the current climate is leaving families uncertain about their future and fearful of everyday life.
0 Comments