Immigration Crackdown Creates Fear Among Kalamazoo Families
Kalamazoo, Michigan — Tensions over immigration reached a fever pitch recently with the high-profile public killings in January of Minneapolis residents Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by federal agents, spurring protests across the country. Those aren't the only deaths. In 2025, at least 32 people died in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, the highest number since 2002, according to reports from The Guardian.
The nationwide crackdown on undocumented immigrants made Kalamazoo Voices of Youth Writer Gabrielle Mabin determined to learn more about immigration enforcement. Undocumented persons are in a heightened state of fear as the federal government has abandoned its longstanding policies discouraging arrests in high-visibility places like schools, houses of worship, and hospitals.
Gabrielle especially wondered how Kalamazoo might prepare for possible ICE activity. To get answers, she spoke with Adrian Vazquez, chief executive officer of El Concilio Kalamazoo, a community organization that supports many immigrant families in Southwest Michigan.
Vazquez shared how his organization helps families, what challenges the community faces, and what people should know. He encouraged people to learn from local organizations and community leaders about how immigration policies affect real families. He explained that many immigrant families live with uncertainty and fear about whether they will be able to stay together.
How El Concilio Supports Families Affected by ICE
When a family comes to the organization's office, Vazquez said they first gather important information about the person who may have been detained, such as their full name, date of birth, and where they work. From there, they try to locate that person and find out where they may have been taken.
At the same time, the organization supports the family members who are left behind. They make sure they have access to food, clothing, and other basic needs. If there are children involved, they focus on making sure they are safe and supported while the situation is being figured out.
"It creates a lot of stress, anxiety, and fear," Vazquez said. "Families are worried about what could happen to their loved ones. Some people become afraid to go to work or even leave their homes."
To help with this, the organization connects families with counselors. They have bilingual and culturally-aware counselors who can talk with people when they are ready.
Community Partnerships and Support
The organization works with several partners, including immigrant rights groups and faith-based organizations. Some churches and community groups partner with them to help educate the public and support families during difficult situations.
"We meet with these groups to plan events, share information, and coordinate support when families need help," Vazquez said.
Preparedness Challenges
When asked if El Concilio has a plan if ICE comes into Kalamazoo, Vazquez explained they try to prepare as much as possible, but it is difficult to say that anyone can be fully prepared.
"If there were large enforcement actions, it would affect many families," Vazquez said. "We do what we can to support families financially and connect them with resources, but situations like that can impact an entire community."
Immigration Status vs. Criminal Offenses
Vazquez noted that many people who are detained have not committed violent crimes. Many simply do not have legal immigration status. He explained that not having documents is very different from committing serious criminal offenses.
"Many of these individuals are parents who work and have children in school," Vazquez said.
Community Impact
When asked if ICE has a positive or negative effect on the community, Vazquez said right now it has created fear and distrust. Many families are worried about what could happen and feel uncertain about their future.
However, he noted that many people from different backgrounds are speaking up because they believe everyone's rights should be respected. The organization sees support from different communities that believe families deserve fairness and dignity.
Emotional Toll
Vazquez described the emotions people feel when they see ICE actions happening in other cities. "There are a lot of emotions," he said. "It can be frustrating and upsetting when families are separated or when people feel they are not being treated fairly."
But he added that they try to stay focused on supporting the community.
Available Resources
Vazquez mentioned that there are preparedness guides available online that explain what families can do if they face an immigration situation. These guides help families gather important documents and make a plan ahead of time.
"Many of these guides are really helpful for people to understand what steps they can take," Vazquez said.
El Concilio's New Home
The organization has recently moved to a new home that offers everything from a new dance studio to classroom space, a full kitchen, an improved office, and more. The new space allows them to better serve the community they work with.
Voices of Youth Program
This interview was conducted as part of the Winter 2026 Kalamazoo Voices of Youth Program. The program is a collaboration between Southwest Michigan Second Wave and KYD Network in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo, funded by the Stryker Johnston Foundation.
The Voices of Youth Program is led by Earlene McMichael, and Gabrielle Mabin's mentor for this piece was Jane Parikh, who helped guide the young writer through this important investigation.
What Community Members Should Know
Vazquez encourages people to learn from local organizations and community leaders about how immigration policies affect real families. He emphasized the importance of understanding the human stories behind the news headlines.
"Everyone deserves to know what's happening in their community and how to get help if they need it," Vazquez said.
The organization remains committed to supporting immigrant families in Southwest Michigan, providing resources, information, and advocacy during these challenging times.
