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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Immigrant victims of crime got a chance to speak with law enforcement in Kent County during a first of its kind event on Wednesday.
Puertas Abiertas, a nonprofit which offers therapy and other support services to Latino domestic violence victims in West Michigan, organized it.
During the round table, their clients asked questions about law enforcement procedures and the court system to representatives from the Grand Rapids Police Department, Wyoming Police Department, Kent County Sheriff’s Office, and Kent County Prosecutor’s Office, who then answered.
Some of the questions included how to report a crime, if someone’s language or legal status would affect their ability do that, and what to do if their child becomes involved in a gang.
“We want to show the Latino community that there are organizations there to help them,” said Andrea Inostroza, founder of Puertas Abiertas. “[That they should] not be afraid because they’re going to lose their children or they are going to take their place to they’re going to be deported.”
Inostroza says her organization wanted to give their clients a voice and help area agencies better connect with the people they serve.
“Oftentimes they come from cultures where someone who's wearing a uniform is not necessarily there to help you,” said Catherine Villanueva. “A lot of times, they're also the person who's going to harm you. So, we want to have this so that they understand that the police, and...
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