Anxiety At An All-time High
BY ISAIAH FRIZZELL
Sun Valley’s tight-knit community lies at the heart of our growing, world-class set of cities making up Blaine County. Community ties run deep and hope fuels all of our lives. With recent misinformation and actual ICE intervention, immigrants are voicing a growing concern over their future. Anxiety is at an all-time high largely due to misunderstandings but also due to the actions of the new presidential administration.
Fabiola Velasco, a longtime resident of our vibrant community, shares her story—a narrative echoing the fears of many in the area as the nation grapples with new political leadership. Velasco, along with around 50 other individuals of every age and heritage, circled Main Street in downtown Hailey, from Shorty’s Diner to the Chevron Station, with signs, booming music and chants for understanding and peace.
“My name is Fabiola Velasco. I have been living here for 28 years, in Sun Valley, in the valley of Blaine County,” she begins, her voice steady yet tinged with anxiety. “We are all very, very concerned about what is happening with the new president.” Her words capture a sentiment that resonates with countless immigrants who have woven themselves into the fabric of American life but now find themselves on uncertain ground.
For Velasco and many others, the decision to leave Mexico was driven by the pursuit of opportunity and the hope of building a better future. “We only come to fulfill our dreams and support our families in Mexico,” she explains. This simple yet profound statement underscores the sacrifices made by individuals who, despite the challenges they face, strive for a life marked by dignity and possibility. The fears of increased immigration enforcement and ICE raids loom large, threatening to upend the fragile balance between safety and aspiration.
Amid the tension, Velasco is quick to assert, “We are not criminals.” This declaration is not just a statement of fact; it’s a passionate rebuttal to the stigmatization that many immigrants endure. The community’s identity, built on hard work, resilience, and a shared desire for a brighter future, stands in stark contrast to the negative stereotypes perpetuated in political discourse.
Her story is emblematic of a larger movement among immigrants in Blaine County who have long felt part of the American mosaic. “And we are all America,” Velasco concludes, a reminder that the essence of America is not confined by borders or legal technicalities but is defined by the people who call it home.
Local advocates and community leaders have expressed deep concern over potential ICE raids and the chilling effect they could have on immigrant communities. With policies shifting rapidly under new federal leadership, the threat of detainment and deportation has become a constant worry. “The fear isn’t just about losing our homes or our families,” one community organizer noted, “it’s about losing our sense of belonging and the opportunity to contribute fully to society.”
In a time when uncertainty shadows many aspects of daily life, Velasco’s words are a call for understanding and compassion. They challenge the narrative that paints immigrants as outsiders and criminals, instead highlighting a shared commitment to the American dream—a dream that promises hope, opportunity, and a better future for all.
As the political landscape evolves, the voices of Sun Valley’s immigrant community remind us that America’s strength lies in its diversity and its capacity to embrace those who arrive with the sincere desire to build a better life.
