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Ripple effects of federal immigration raids play out in Richmond
8/22/2025 | 2m 13sVideo has Closed Captions
Advocates say raids have chilled immigrants from reporting crimes and abuse.
While the exact number of raids in Richmond are unknown, advocates said that as of last month, at least 20 community members had been taken by immigration agents since February.
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VPM News is a local public television program presented by VPM
VPM News
Ripple effects of federal immigration raids play out in Richmond
8/22/2025 | 2m 13sVideo has Closed Captions
While the exact number of raids in Richmond are unknown, advocates said that as of last month, at least 20 community members had been taken by immigration agents since February.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipKERYIS MANZANARES: In Richmonds Southside, the ripple effects of immigration raids are reshaping daily life.
Advocates say residents are in hiding, some too afraid to call 911 even in an emergency.
Off Hull Street Road, the Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center provides domestic and sexual assault services specifically for the Latino community.
CEO Elvira De la Cruz says Latinos are isolating themselves like they did during the COVID-19 pandemic.
(Speaking Spanish) KERYIS MANZANARES: De la Cruz says the fear is making communities more vulnerable to abuse.
(Speaking Spanish) KEYRIS MANZANARES: In July, Richmond police said they were experiencing a 33% drop in calls in predominately Latino neighborhoods.
And as raids continue across Virginia, attorneys like Miriam Airington-Fisher are navigating unchartered waters.
She says her clients have become increasingly concerned about attending court hearings.
MIRIAM AIRINGTON-FISHER : I think one of the most unfortunate, and I don't know if it was unintentional, but one of the most unfortunate symptoms of what this administration is doing is that they're scaring off people from pursuing legal immigration.
KEYRIS MANZANARES: Airington-Fisher says just missing one court appointment can be a setback.
She suggests attending proceedings with an attorney.
Keyris Manzanares, VPM News.
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