El Pueblo in Forest was the site of a gathering of organizations, volunteers, and first responders to commemorate the largest ever U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Mississippi’s history. The event was held to remember this significant event.
On the fifth anniversary of the raids, survivors bravely shared their stories despite the heart-wrenching experience of being forcibly separated from their loved ones.
In Central Mississippi, ICE agents conducted a raid on poultry plants on August 7, 2019. The operation resulted in the arrest and deportation of over 680 Hispanic workers.
The incident prompted various organizations to raise nearly $1 million for humanitarian aid, and the MacArthur Justice Center at the University of Mississippi School of Law was one of them, according to Cliff Johnson, the center’s director.
Johnson highlighted that despite the initial divisive sentiments that may have been expressed on a larger political scale, the aftermath of the raids brought together a coalition of individuals who showed up to support those in need within their own communities. These same individuals who may have previously chanted “build that wall” were now offering tangible assistance such as casseroles, diapers, and financial contributions.
El Pueblo, along with other grassroots organizations, has been providing aid to those who require assistance.