By Mike Courso
Great Bend Post
Not even a good downpouring of rain could slow the support for the Hispanic community Thursday evening in downtown Great Bend. A spur to protest, brought on by the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the city, was put out on social media earlier in the day.
Marchers carrying signs and flag were joined by a throng of honking vehicles as and after the rain fell at Jack Kilby Square.
While Thursday’s event was largely festive and positive, several signs and a few chants expressed frustration at the current situation that has resulted in the temporary closure of several businesses, and the removal of some who have spent most or all of their lives in the United States, in both Great Bend and southwest Kansas.
“It actually warms my heart,” said Odalis Mata, 23. “I feel like, in this country right now, there is just a lot of division and hate toward minority races. I don’t think this is impactful for just me, but for the kids that are here. These are children here. This is their future.”
Mata cited several deaths around the country, echoing the sentiment of many immigrants who have elected to stay home as ICE agents move through Kansas communities.
“I shouldn’t have to leave my home and be scared for my life,” she said. “I was born here. This is as much my country as it is anyone else’s.”
ICE moved into Kansas communities this week, typically with no or little communication with law enforcement agencies. It has targeted meat factories, feed yards, and Hispanic-owned businesses. Even for those not targeted, the threat is enough to shutter doors, at least temporarily. Several Mexican restaurants in Great Bend have temporarily closed.
“I feel like the best thing about a community is not the chains, it’s the businesses owned by real people,” Mata said. “Those are the places with character and personality who put their heart and soul into what they are doing.”
The Great Bend Police Department announced Thursday that Barton County Communications was notified at approximately 9 a.m. that day that ICE would be operating in the area. The Great Bend Police Department had not received any requests to assist the U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents. Still, two members of the GBPD withstood the rain alongside protestors Thursday evening, and several more provided additional security from their vehicles.
“I personally appreciate it,” said Mata. “It shows a lot of character. At the end of the day, they’re here to protect us. Even though times are really rough with law enforcement, we tend to forget a lot of these people risk their lives on the daily.
“At the same time, there are going to be bad apples everywhere. It’s right that we call them out everywhere. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you look like, or where you come from.”
Also on Thursday, USD 428 sent out a privacy and safety reminder to its students and families. In part, that message reiterated that education and student well-being will always be the district’s top priorities. The district will continue to comply with all state and federal laws that protect student privacy and safety. Student information will not be shared, and access to students will not be granted without parental consent or a lawfully issued warrant, subpoena, or court order.