Fayetteville City Council members react to Arkansas National Guard assisting ICE

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the deployment of 40 National Guardsmen to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in enforcing immigration laws across various cities, including Little Rock, Fort Smith, Camp Robinson, and Fayetteville. Fayetteville city leaders quickly condemned the decision, arguing it exacerbates distrust among residents who now feel under constant scrutiny. Council member Sarah Moore highlighted the fear residents experience in their daily lives, concerned about taking their children to school or going grocery shopping. Dr. D'Andre Jones labeled the action as unnecessary, suggesting it is politically motivated rather than a response to a local crisis.

The Alliance for Immigrant Respect and Education (AIRE) expressed disappointment, stating the decision does not align with the needs of Arkansas citizens. Silvia Vallejo of AIRE criticized Governor Sanders for allegedly prioritizing a political agenda over community concerns. The local ICE office has not responded to inquiries regarding the deployment. The controversy raises significant questions about the role of the National Guard in immigration enforcement and its impact on community relations.