(Editor’s Note: Kansas City Hispanic News is entering a collaborative effort with Northeast News in order to offer our readers consistent coverage of the metropolitan area. The following story is the first in what we hope will be a beneficial service for our readership.)

By Jose Faus
KC Hispanic News
February 1, 2012

Last week’s public Northeast Community Forum, sponsored by the Latino Advocacy Task Force and hosted by Mattie Rhodes at its Northeast office, touched on many issues concerning the relationship between the police department and the Latino community. Chief Darryl Forté addressed the recent attempt in Missouri to enlist local police departments in cracking down on illegal immigration.

Lee’s Summit Republican Will Krauss introduced S.B. 590. The bill draws on similar language in other states such as Arizona and Alabama and like those bills has drawn widespread opposition.

“We are trying to build relationships in the community and there is already a level of distrust in all parts of the community,” said Forté. “We need not enact a law that is going to further pull us apart.”

The chief added that he is not opposed to assisting ICE when it comes to violent crimes. He takes issue with the idea of turning routine interactions with the public into immigration enforcement opportunities.

“My stance is that every time we stop somebody for a reason, we are supposed to check immigration status,” explained Forté. “I think that is wrong. … I don’t have anything to show that I am not here illegally. If somebody were to stop me right now I don’t have anything on me, so why would [we] single out some people to do that. As long as I am chief I am totally against [that] unless it is for a violent crime and then we can look into it.”

Rosa Parra of Kansas City spoke with Hispanic News about Forté’s presentation. “I felt it was important to be here for this meeting because it is important to express our needs as a Latino community, “It is also important for us to express our doubts and feelings that we have as a community.”

Parra was grateful to hear the police chief outline his position on the immigration issue and took comfort in his words.

“I think it is very important to hear the opinion of the chief in reference to acting as an agent of ICE. I can tell that for him it is important that our community progress and have confidence to speak and share with the police any things that are happening in the community and to not be afraid to ask for help.”

Parra was surprised to learn of the many programs and initiatives that the prosecutor’s office has to offer to youth.

“This is important for our youth so that they don’t continue to engage in gangs and crimes. That type of information is very important for us as parents to hear about,” said Parra.