I remember the dread I felt when watching the video of Jorge Gonzalez Ochoa being detained by self-identified federal agents in Iowa City back in September. I felt my heart drop while hearing his pleas for help, and him saying his name for everyone to know while being taken into custody.

I could not believe that these events were happening so close to home, and I know that members of the Latino community felt the same sense of fear I did — the fear of having to look over their shoulder at every instance in fear of being targeted for their features, or speaking Spanish. 

Now, after the lives taken by federal agents in Minnesota made national headlines, the anxiety not only lingers but grows.  

I have seen Hispanic and Latino community members, both in person and on different social media platforms, express their fear of conducting what some may see as the most common activities. 

Many community members have abstained from their familiar Hispanic stores and avoided places where there were rumors of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement sightings. In some more drastic situations, I know of someone having to leave their job they’d had for years due to the possibility of an ICE raid. 

I have seen people leave their homes due to the fear of being a target of the same fate as Gonzalez Ochoa for simply wanting a better life for not only themselves, but also their families. 

In the past year, events in Iowa celebrating Latino heritage, such as the VIVA Ottumwa Latino Festival and the Latino Festival of Washington were canceled due to concerns of ICE raids. These cancellations broke my heart, as these events are pivotal for both community and non-community members to experience the beauty of Latino cultures. 

Although not cancelled, the Latino Heritage Festival in Des Moines was also enveloped with a sense of worry. A friend of mine, who regularly works at the festival, and I talked about the lack of Latino attendees in comparison to previous years. 

There has also been a notable rise in rumors and hoaxes spreading on social media platforms that have further increased fear about whether particular locations will be the targets of ICE. 

Recently, an Instagram post from the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice claimed that a large number of ICE agents would be patrolling Des Moines when President Donald Trump visited Clive on Jan. 27. Despite the lack of confirmation and no official reports from the Des Moines Police Department, stress continued to be felt among community members. 

I know I am a part of a strong community that will remain resilient in the face of fear. Although the presence of ICE around the nation is alarming, seeing the protests by those willing and able against the treatment of those detained encourages hope for a better future, one without fear.