Agencies Educate and Share Resources with Lowcountry Latino Community
Various agencies within Hanahan, South Carolina came together to host an assembly focused on the local Latino community on a recent Saturday evening. The Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office initiated the occasion, aiming to nurture dialogue between Latino residents and the legal and law enforcement authorities to promote better understanding and cooperation.
Who were in Attendance?
In the meeting that took place at Hanahan City Hall, several dignitaries stood as speakers. Among them were Hanahan Mayor Christie Rainwater, members of the Hanahan Police Department, including Chief Rick Gebhardt, Lt. Flor “Chico” Reyes, Sgt. Carlos Reyna and Det. Manual Valderrama, representatives from the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office and other community stakeholders. Around 20 people from the Latino community attended the event.
Addressing Immigration and Crime-Reporting
The assembly addressed common concerns among the Latino community, focusing largely on immigration issues, crime reporting, victim resources, and law understanding in the United States. In her address, Mayor Rainwater stressed the importance of enhancing the immigration process for the safety of all city residents. She voiced the concern that crime incidents involving immigrants sometimes go unreported due to victims’ fear of deportation.
Sgt. Carlos Reyna followed up on Mayor Rainwater’s points, reiterating that the role of the local police isn’t to deport anyone reporting a crime, regardless of their legal status. He emphasized that the job of local authorities is to ensure the safety and security of all community members, irrespective of their immigration status.
Standing Against Domestic Violence
Domestic violence against the Latino community was a recurring topic at the event. Sgt. Reyna clarified US laws against domestic violence, assuring attendees that they could safely report such incidents without fearing deportation. He encouraged victims to contact the police and promised thorough investigation into these instances.
Available Resources for Victims
In her address, Marianella Namlick from Charleston County’s Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office spoke about the resources that victims can avail of once a police report has been filed. She assured the attendees that their office doesn’t look into an individual’s immigration status if they are a victim of a crime.
Future Endeavors
Mayor Rainwater expressed her hopes for additional similar gatherings, aiming for increased participation from the Latino community. She emphasized the importance of sharing these conversations via social media and thanked community partners like Lydia Cotton for aiding the cause. The Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office further helped to spread the word by actively promoting the event on their Facebook page and partnering with a local Hispanic radio station.
