By Jacob Wackerhausen via iStock for WMNF News.
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Barrio walks are being held by Tampa IRC to provide the community with information they may not know. The walks aim to give out condensed information for people so they know what to do around immigration enforcement.
The Barrio walks consist of anywhere between two to five routes, depending on how many people come out, and walk around the surrounding community. Each group consists of at least one Spanish speaker and a a member who has done a walk before. This walk took place in West Tampa, near the Bravo Supermarket. Tampa IRC member Yun gave insight into this process.
“We go around the community and the affected areas of the community and pass out know your rights information so folks understand what their rights are around immigration enforcement.”
Each group went door to door, knocking on homes and businesses. Handing out flyers and red information cards. The cards are pocket information guides that have a script to say when speaking to immigration enforcement.
Each walk is arranged based on need. Wherever ICE or Immigration enforcement has been seen, a walk is organized to give those in the area the information they need to protect themselves.
Yun talked more about the effects the walk has on the community.
“The most common reaction we get is that folks just don’t know that they have any right when it comes to interacting with immigration enforcement, and generally, the reaction from the community has been positive, and folks are really receptive to just that fact that people are going around giving information about all of this.”
Each walk lasts about an hour throughout the designated area. Tampa IRC promotes the Barrio walks as family-friendly events to give people of all ages the opportunity to come out and support the cause.
You can find out more about Tampa IRC including information about joining their next walk on Instagram or Facebook.