Fort Smith protesters stand with communities affected by ICE raids
In response to nationwide immigration raids ordered by the Trump administration, Fort Smith residents gathered in solidarity with affected communities.
FORT SMITH, Ark. — As immigration raids intensify across the country, a group of protesters in Fort Smith is making it clear: they stand with immigrant communities in Arkansas and beyond.
The demonstration, hosted by AIRE Arkansas and 50501 Arkansas, was one of many sparked in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles over the weekend. As the movement grows nationally, Fort Smith residents are joining in.
“There has been a lot of discourse and a lot of solidarity between the Latino community in that area, and we wanted to show our solidarity with those in California,” said Vincent Hartgraves-Cooper, an organizer for the event.
The event focused on unity, with organizers highlighting the importance of community care and support.
“I do love seeing the solidarity between people standing up for the community, standing up for their neighbors, their friends, and with that as a people, we can grow together and come to a basis of understanding,” Hartgraves-Cooper said. “Where there’s so much hate and discourse and mistrust between people, showing the solidarity and the love that you have for your fellow neighbors and the Latino community is the best thing that we can do right now.”
The protest follows earlier demonstrations in the city, which helped spark momentum for more local activism.
“When the ‘Hands Off’ protests happened in Fort Smith back in April, that was the key point in organizing a lot of the protests that happened around in this area. And because of that, we have continued on with that momentum and tried to build a community of like-minded people to protest and show what their true feelings are,” Hartgraves-Cooper said.
He emphasized that Fort Smith’s local Latino community deserves protection and recognition
“The Fort Smith community have a large Latino population, and so with that, we can show our support for both the people here at home and the people over in California” he explained.
Among those protesting was Rev. Dawn Chessler, a United Methodist minister.
“I believe that God loves all the same, and so I stand in solidarity with my neighbors who are being discriminated against because of my faith,” Chessler said.
She pointed to Fort Smith’s own diversity as a reason for action.
“It is a very diverse community, what with the most diverse school in the state right down the street. It has always been a place where people of all skin colors and immigrants have been welcome and have chosen to make their home, because it’s a great place to live in, a great place to raise a family,” Chessler explained.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters Tuesday she supports President Donald Trump sending the National Guard into Los Angeles without approval from California Governor Gavin Newsom.
“If we needed help, I would be making the phone call myself to the president and asking for his assistance. But in Arkansas, we would never allow to take place what they’re letting to go on in California. But if we needed help, the president would be one of the first people I would call because he is somebody I know who cares deeply about making sure the American people are safe and secure first and foremost,” Sanders said.
AIRE Arkansas is also hosting a ‘No Kings Day’ protest set for Saturday June 14 at 7410 Rogers Ave from 5 to 7:30 p.m.