Unidxs spreads message of unity
Amid changing federal regulations regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement, one Jackson County group is making the rounds at public meetings in an effort to remind both elected officials and community members that it is there to support the Hispanic community.
“Unidxs was founded in response to the need for an organization that would represent and support the Latinx population in this region,” said Unidxs WNC Executive Director Ricardo Bello Ball in a presentation to the Sylva Board of Commissioners Feb. 27.
Founded in 2021, Jackson County based Unidxs WNC works to coordinate support programs, education and training, advocacy and community outreach for the Hispanic population in Western North Carolina.
Since the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, Unidxs has also served as a hub for supplies for people in need, operating a resource center in Sylva.
“You may see people coming in and out of there getting different supplies,” said Police Chief Chris Hatton of the work Unidxs has been doing since the hurricane. “It’s not any one particular population they’re helping. I’m seeing them helping everybody. So, I think their mission may say one thing, but what I’m seeing with my own eyes is anybody that comes there and needs something, they’re giving. So, kudos for all that work for sure.”
In addition to its normal operations, since Hurricane Helene Unidxs has helped more than 200 families affected by the storm get access to vital resources like generators, heaters, dehumidifiers, food, cleaning products, personal hygiene products, winter clothing, financial assistance and more.
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“Our supplies are limited, and the need is growing now that winter cold is upon us,” Bello Ball told Jackson County Commissioners during their Jan. 21 meeting. “Unidxs would like to ask for the direct support of the county commissioners of Jackson County. It will take years, not months, for Jackson County residents to fully recover. Unidxs is committed to providing vital services to county residents and hope to coordinate with you for the benefit of all.”
While still supporting the Hispanic community in flood recovery efforts, the group is now facing a new challenge.
“I want to briefly ask for your kindness and support in the coming months. We all know the administration has changed in Washington, D.C., and one of the declared changes will be mass deportations,” said Sarah Hirsch, who works for Unidxs, in public comment to the county commission Jan. 21. “I am going to ask tonight and in the future for your compassion and understanding of the fear that they are facing as things start to change.”
On Jan. 20, an executive order signed by President Trump rescinded the Department of Homeland Security’s designation of schools as protected areas where ICE actions are to be avoided. The order states that ICE officers may use their discretion when determining where to perform enforcement actions.
Since that order was signed, members of the public have spoken out at school board meetings across the region urging schools to do what they can to protect students while on school grounds.
“I’m here today as part of a group of stakeholders who have come together out of deep care for the Spanish-speaking and Latine population in our county to request your continued support of this population,” Erin Callahan said during a Feb. 25 Jackson County Board of Education meeting in which eight people spoke out of concern for how the executive order might impact local students. “The rescinding of the federal policy that treats schools, childcare centers, churches and hospitals as sensitive or protected locations has created a new reality for our schools and communities, including fear and instability for the families and children affected. We hope and expect that the commonsense approach to ICE deportations that has been advised will prevail in a tight kinit small community like ours where we see overwhelming deep care for all children from their teachers, principals, school staff, SROs and law enforcement.”
On Jan. 29, JCPS sent guidance to all staff regarding the executive order.
It outlines that it is the practice of JCPS that a judicial order signed by a judge or magistrate of a court is required for law enforcement agencies, local, state or federal, who have asked to have access to a student for investigative purposes.
“As a Jackson County Public Schools staff member, if you are approached by a law enforcement official regarding a student or a student’s family, you should direct the official to your immediate supervisor and notify your supervisor of the referral,” the guidance stated. “If a law enforcement official asks any employee to retrieve a student (from the classroom, playground, etc.), you should tell the officer that you do not have that authority and you need to contact the building administrator. Your building administrator will discuss the matter with the law enforcement officer.”
The guidance went on to say that citizenship status is not a requirement to attend school, that all students are welcome, and any claims of discrimination based upon race or national origin will be investigated promptly.
The message stated that Jackson County Public Schools is dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students and staff while respecting all local, state and federal laws.
“I am requesting that you as the school board take additional action to ensure the rights and safeties of the students in our school system,” said Becky Peshman in public comment to the Jackson County School Board Feb. 25. “I am requesting that you make it the official policy of Jackson County Public Schools that ICE is not permitted to enter schools under any circumstances that School Resource Officers and others who work within our school system will not collaborate with ICE. Our students deserve this safety.”
According to Bello Ball, Unidxs has noticed a sharp decline in the number of people accessing the educational classes and resources available through Unidxs in recent months.
“The fear is real,” Bello Ball said. “People don’t want to leave their homes.”
Unidxs has moved several of its offerings online but says that it is losing the personal touch it is used to having through its educational resources.
“Unidxs is an organization committed to making the region a more inclusive and equitable place for all,” said Bello Ball. “We invite everyone to join its mission of promoting inclusion and social justice, there are several ways to participate.”
