ICE Establishes New Office in Flagstaff: Community Reactions Vary
FLAGSTAFF – On April 8, volunteers from Keep Flagstaff Together gathered in the Sunnyslope neighborhood to distribute information packets regarding Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Kneeling in a parking lot, one volunteer helped a young boy understand information about ICE in Spanish, while another volunteer organized maps for the group.
A new ICE office is set to open in Flagstaff, confirmed by city officials on April 9. The office, located at 1585 S. Plaza Way, will serve ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations division. The announcement has prompted mixed reactions from the local community.
Volunteers aim to inform as many residents as possible by visiting homes and leaving packets when no one is available. The packets contain an action plan for potential ICE encounters, contact information for local immigration attorneys, and the Flagstaff Police Department’s immigration policies.
Maria Castillo Rincon, an organizer with Keep Flagstaff Together, expressed frustration over the lack of response from city officials regarding immigration enforcement. “I don’t believe any of you,” Rincon said, addressing the City Council. “Look at this bear coming in.”
Community Concerns
Many residents, like Laura Carter of the Coconino County Democrats, worry that the presence of ICE could instill fear and negatively impact the community. Carter emphasized, “Fear is not healthy. This is not how we want to raise our children.”
Others, including Neila Cretti, a longtime Flagstaff resident, welcome the federal presence, believing it will aid local law enforcement. “They’re just another branch of law enforcement there to serve and protect the community,” Cretti said.
While some residents support the new office, others fear it could disrupt the community’s harmony and impact Northern Arizona University (NAU), a Hispanic Serving Institution. Students like Adam Pruzhanovsky voiced concerns over safety and the potential negative impact on tourism and small businesses.
Responses and Actions
In anticipation of the ICE office, local groups are taking action. Keep Flagstaff Together volunteers, led by Rincon and Jermaine Barkley, continue to distribute information packets to residents, aiming to equip them with knowledge on how to handle potential ICE encounters.
Some residents have previously shown resistance to increased surveillance and data sharing, as seen in the recent cancellation of a contract with Flock Safety. Concerns about privacy and data access have fueled opposition to ICE’s presence in the city.
The unfolding situation has initiated dialogue among community members, law enforcement, and local organizations, revealing a complex web of opinions and concerns regarding immigration enforcement in Flagstaff.
