ROGERS, Ark. — Cristina Osornio, a legal permanent U.S. resident and mother of six, became ensnared in a troubling immigration enforcement environment following the deportation of her husband. After a minor traffic stop in Benton County, she spent several days in jail under an ICE hold, raising alarms about increasingly aggressive policing practices against immigrants.
This incident reflects a broader trend in Benton County, which, known as a hotspot for ICE activity, has reported over 450 ICE arrests this year alone. These arrests, often stemming from minor infractions, are facilitated by a cooperation agreement between local authorities and ICE, leading to fears of racial profiling among the immigrant community.
Osornio described a climate of fear, stating, “Nobody is safe because they are targeting you because of your skin color.” Following her experience, she expressed deep concern for her children and the emotional toll this immigration crackdown is taking on families in the area.
The local partnership has proven contentious, with half of ICE arrests involving individuals with pending charges. Critics argue that this cooperation unfairly targets individuals for deportation based on minor offenses, like driving without a valid license or insurance.
Immigrant communities across Arkansas are feeling the effects of this hostile environment, as many are refraining from driving or venturing outside their homes for fear of deportation. With heightened enforcement measures in place, families like Osornio's are caught in a cycle of uncertainty, struggling to cope with the ramifications of such policies.
