IWRC Speaks Out After ICE Arrests in Evansville Area

The Evansville Immigrant Welcome & Resource Center (IWRC) speaks out after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained at least a dozen people in the Evansville and Henderson communities.

ICE Arrests in Evansville and Henderson Spark Community Concern

On Monday, April 28, 2025, reports of ICE arrests in Evansville and Henderson began pouring in across social media from news outlets, organizations, and average citizens alike. Between Monday, April 28th, and Wednesday, April 30th, at least 12 people were detained, and according to Evansville IWRC, ICE activities are still being reported in the community today, Friday, May 2, 2025.

Detentions Reported at Homes, Workplaces, and Public Spaces

While some of those who have been detained did have prior removal orders, Evansville IWRC says that others were questioned in public and then detained. They say several of the individuals who have been detained have already been transported out of the immediate area to be detained in the jail located in Hopkins County, Kentucky.

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Community and family reports indicate that some residents were detained at their workplaces and in public spaces, including a gas station, a sidewalk near a childcare center, and a parking lot. Others were detained at home, sometimes in front of children.

IWRC: “This Has Caused Widespread Fear and Disruption”

The Executive Director of Evansville IWRC, Elisabet (Ely) Sena-Martin, says the actions have resulted in fear throughout the community as families have been disrupted. Sena-Martin says the organization has heard from parents, students, and workers, many of whom are here legally, and are now too frightened to go to school or work.

In partnership with the Centro Latino + Americano and the Haitian Center of Evansville, the Evansville IWRC is bringing to light the wide-reaching harm the ICE operations are causing.

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Entire households—often with mixed immigration statuses and U.S. citizen family members—are experiencing emotional trauma, economic instability, and uncertainty about how to locate loved ones who have been detained. -IWRC

IWRC Highlights the Contributions of Immigrant Neighbors

The organization points out the positive impact that immigrant residents have on our community, as many of them work hard, pay taxes, raise children, own businesses, and are gracious neighbors. The IWRC points out, "They are integral to the success of key local industries."

Concerns Raised Over Due Process and Legal Access

In the statement made on Facebook, Sena-Martin expresses concern for those individuals who were not given access to legal representation or the opportunity to contact their family, and she reminds the community that the legal protections afforded us under the Constitution apply to every person, saying, "When they are bypassed for some, it puts all of us at risk.”

How IWRC and Partners Are Supporting Impacted Families

The Evansville IWRC continues to help ensure members of our community understand their rights as governed by local, state, and federal law. The organization also works to connect individuals with the necessary services and support they need.

Here’s How You Can Help the Local Immigrant Community

A full video statement from Sena-Martin can be seen in the video below, shared from Facebook. For those who would like to donate or volunteer to help families impacted and the local immigrant community as a whole, details can be found by visiting EvvImmigrantWelcomeCenter.com.

Lastly, the Evansville IWRC says it wants to encourage "all Evansville area residents to remain informed, speak up for neighbors, and support families affected by detention."

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Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals