Immigration lawyer Willy Allen deemed it unlikely that Florida would see massive demonstrations similar to the recent protests in Los Angeles against President Donald Trump's immigration policies.
In statements to CiberCuba, Allen noted that the lack of community support and the demographic composition of South Florida represent a fundamental difference between the two regions.
“Most of the Hispanics affected in Miami are Cubans and Central Americans,” explained the lawyer.
"They do not have enough support to go out and protest massively on the streets," he/she considered.
Allen illustrated with the protests related to the I-220A form in South Florida, which usually attract only about 100 to 200 people, a turnout he considers "quite limited."
The contrast with Los Angeles, according to Allen, lies in the diversity and profile of its immigrant community.
"There is a very diverse community there, mostly directly affected by the measures, that feels more persecuted," he noted, which in his opinion has prompted a much stronger public response.
Moreover, the lawyer believes that cultural and social differences also contribute to the low level of mobilization in South Florida: "I don't think they will act to stop detentions; they have a somewhat different mindset. You won't see Cubans vandalizing Cuban businesses on Calle 8, nor Venezuelans attacking stores owned by Venezuelans, Cubans, or Colombians in Doral or Hialeah," he stated.
These statements reflect the perception that, despite the growing dissatisfaction with immigration policies, the immigrant community in Florida is neither willing nor organized to take to the streets en masse as is happening in other parts of the country.
However, this Tuesday, protests have been reported in Tampa, in support of the demonstrators in Los Angeles.
Protesters from various groups such as Occupy Florida, Resistance Support, and Voices of Florida gathered at 3:00 p.m. with banners demanding the immediate end to raids and mass deportations.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, the situation remains tense.
More than 1,700 National Guard members and 700 Marines have been deployed to control the protests that erupted following the raids on Friday.
Although many of the demonstrations have been peaceful, there have been reports of violent acts, looting, and clashes with law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Protests and Immigration Policies in Florida
Why are massive protests not expected in Florida like those in Los Angeles?
The lawyer Willy Allen believes that it is unlikely that massive protests will develop in Florida as they did in Los Angeles due to the lack of community support and the demographic composition of South Florida. Unlike Los Angeles, where the immigrant community is very diverse and feels directly affected, in Florida the majority of the affected Hispanics are Cuban and Central American, who do not have sufficient support to go out and protest en masse.
How have the protests in Florida against Trump's immigration policies developed?
In Florida, the protests have been less numerous and organized compared to other parts of the United States. While there have been demonstrations, such as the recent one in Tampa in support of the protesters in Los Angeles, participation has been limited. Various groups, such as Occupy Florida and Resistance Support, have gathered peacefully to demand an end to mass raids and deportations, but they have not reached the level of mobilization seen in cities like Los Angeles.
What is Form I-220A and why is it relevant in Florida?
The I-220A form is a supervised release document that does not grant legal status. It is relevant in Florida because many Cubans have received it after crossing the border and are at risk of deportation due to the tightening of immigration policies. Although some Cuban-American congress members are working to seek solutions, such as immigration adjustment, the situation remains uncertain for those holding this form.
How do Florida's new immigration policies affect immigrants?
The new immigration policies in Florida, driven by Governor Ron DeSantis, have tightened measures against irregular immigration. This includes authorizing police to arrest undocumented immigrants and implementing laws that criminalize illegal entry into the state. These measures have been criticized by human rights organizations, which consider them discriminatory and fear they will create fear and distrust within immigrant communities.
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