To the editor:

I have lived most of my 50 years in Marshall. It was a great place to be a kid and is a wonderful place to raise my own children. Over the years, I have lived in multiple homes and apartments throughout our community. I have had Hispanic neighbors. I have had Somali neighbors. I have lived next door to international students. I have taken classes with immigrants at both Marshall Public Schools and SMSU. I have worked alongside immigrants, worshiped with immigrants, and attended community meetings with immigrants. I have shopped at and eaten in immigrant-owned businesses.

I have never been afraid of my immigrant neighbors or friends. But just a few days ago, I felt true fear when I saw a video from a local spotter showing an ICE vehicle sitting outside my neighbor’s home. A second ICE vehicle was parked at the opposite end of the block. I was working 35 minutes away, feeling utterly helpless because ICE has shown their willingness to indescriminately abduct and harm anyone, especially if they happen to belong to Black and Brown communities.

Right now, we have neighbors who are choosing to be helpers. They are collecting and delivering groceries and other essentials to families afraid to leave their homes. I regret I don’t have more time or money to give, but I do have a voice. I’m using it here to encourage others to be good neighbors. Please help your neighbors living in fear in whatever way you can.

Marshall is a stronger, better community because of our immigrant neighbors. Who are we without them?

Barb Springer

Marshall