In Florida, a law empowers highway patrol officers to detain drivers for immigration status during traffic stops. This has heightened fear among immigrant families, compelling them to wait outside a Tampa church for rides rather than risk driving. New rules have emerged, including avoiding foreign flags or Spanish stickers on cars, riding only with trusted individuals in legal status, and listening to English music while driving to avoid suspicion. Many churchgoers are anxious about the potential for deportation after recent detainments.
When companies have [ads] in Spanish you know, it's a big target," says Ashley Ambrocio, age 19. She's a U.S. citizen and is driving parishioners today.
If you guys are gonna be driving to work, turn the radio on to English radio," Ambrocio advises people. "English music. Some country music, so they can't tell it's a Spanish car in there.
She pointed out that everyone standing outside the church says they know someone who has been stopped recently by Florida Highway Patrol and is now facing deportation.
Fellow church goer Maria, who asked that her last name be withheld because her brother was recently detained and she is afraid of retaliation, chimes in with a couple of other rules.
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