As immigration raids increase, many Bay Area immigrant parents are preparing for potential detainment by authorities. This fear has led them to ask summer camp counselors to serve as temporary guardians for their children. Parents express trust in these counselors, preferring them over formal arrangements. Counselors report being approached to confirm these roles, which brings an unexpected responsibility. Many children remain unaware of the gravity of the situation, only sensing their parents' anxiety about immigration enforcement, creating a challenging environment for families.
Sanika Mahajan, director of community engagement at Mission Action, stated that there has been an escalation and coordinated campaigns of fear against the immigrant community and immigration enforcement.
Efrain Barrera, program director of a summer camp program, explained that undocumented parents are asking trusted counselors to act as legal guardians if they are detained.
Mari, a summer school counselor, shared concerns about the responsibility she would take on if she agrees to help parents, noting multiple families are affected.
Counselors Mari and Susi reflected on their surprise and the gravity of being asked to take on these responsibilities, indicating a shift in their roles in the community.
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