By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Ivonne Trejo, a Fort Hays State University student, is dedicated to helping future generations of immigrants navigate the United States as her parents once did.
"Most immigrants come to the U.S. to find opportunities and to have a better living situation," Trejo said. "That's something that their home countries may not have been able to provide for them."
Hays churches, schools, law enforcement and students who have taken to the streets share their perspectives on the increasing deportation efforts.
Within a week of taking office, President Donald Trump removed guidelines that had limited Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations at sensitive locations like schools and churches, according to the Associated Press.
Trump is also attempting to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents, though a federal judge has halted the policy.
Law enforcement agencies across the region, including Kansas, released statements outlining their roles in mass deportation efforts.
Hays institutions shared their perspectives on the increase in deportation efforts under the new administration.
Churches
Associate Pastor Troy Miller of Hays First United Methodist Church said the church's goal is to love God and embrace all people, regardless of their background.
"Our mission would simply be to love God and love people. We're here to embrace all people, no matter who they are," Miller said.
Miller said the Hays First United Methodist Church does not monitor its members' immigration status and does not have the legal authority to provide sanctuary.
Miller directs individuals to the Great Plains Conference website for information and immigration-related resources.
The United Methodist Church supports fair and humane immigration reform. It advocates for comprehensive legislation that ensures a path to citizenship, worker protections, family reunification, the restoration of the rule of law and enhanced security.
UMC congregations are encouraged to connect with the immigrant community as Hays UMC provides Spanish-language worship services.
"We don't ask questions. If I have documented or undocumented people in my church, I have no idea because that's not a prerequisite for entering the church," Miller said.
Miller said churches have never been legally exempt from law enforcement entry. While ICE would need a warrant for specific information, it does not require one to enter the building.
Rev. Nick Parker said Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and its school do not gather information on immigration status either.
"If someone were to come to our church or school asking about immigration status, we just don't have that information to give," he said.
Parker said that the diocese requires proper identification and documentation if any official wishes to investigate. The church will then cooperate with authorities justly and fairly.
Parker said Immaculate Heart of Mary welcomes everyone and offers Spanish-language services and Hispanic ministry programs.
"We try to do a lot for the Hispanic community. They've really developed an amazing team and are running themselves a lot now," Parker said.
Hays USD 489
Hays USD 489 Assistant Superintendent Shanna Dinkel said the school district follows existing student privacy policies and does not track immigration status.
"Inquiring about a student's immigration status is not something we can do. There are guidance with [Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act] and the right to an education," Dinkel said.
The Kansas State Department of Education released a statement in response to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security directive that rescinded previous restrictions on immigration enforcement in or near schools.
The statement clarifies that although the directive was rescinded, it did not alter existing laws or expand Homeland Security's authority.
USD 489 also issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to educating all students, regardless of immigration status. The district highlights key policies, such as prohibiting staff from inquiring about or disclosing a student’s immigration status.
Additionally, all ICE requests must be submitted to the superintendent’s office and reviewed by legal counsel.
Families seeking immigration guidance are directed to local and community resources. Dinkel said neither federal nor state agencies have contacted the school district about deportations.
Hays Police Department
Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler also said ICE has not contacted the department since the start of the Trump administration and immigration enforcement is not a priority.
"I don't care for your status. My focus and the mission of the police department is the safety of this community," Scheibler said. "As far as immigration activities, the federal agencies take care of that."
Despite changes in federal policy, the department's operations will remain the same. Federal authorities will handle deportation efforts if they do occur in Hays.
Scheibler said the department depends on community cooperation to combat crime and urges all residents to report criminal activity without fear or hesitation.
"I need people to tell me when their daughter's been raped and tell me who is selling drugs at the high school. We must have that open relationship and ensure we work together to keep this community safe," he said.
Due to anxiety, people have asked the Hays Police Department if ICE is in the community, Scheibler said.
Scheibler said if ICE does contact Hays police regarding a serious criminal in the community, they will cooperate.
Students and protest
Having grown up in a struggling household, Trejo recalls the challenges her parents faced and aims to help other immigrants.
"I want to pursue social work because I want to make sure that people have those resources and are aware of them. If they're struggling financially, I want to lead them to a better place," she said.
Trejo recalls a time as a kid when she translated English for her mother in everyday situations and had trouble with transportation.
"We lived about half a mile away from the school. She would have me on one hand, my sister on the other, while my brother was walking in front of her," Trejo said.
The family also struggled financially, living paycheck to paycheck. Due to the high cost of living, limited job opportunities and ignorance of available resources, they could not afford the necessities.
Joanna Sanchez, a first-generation Fort Hays State University student, is majoring in social work and Spanish with a minor in leadership.
Born in Great Bend, her family originated from Mexico before relocating to Michigan and eventually settling in Kansas. Her father became a U.S. citizen in 2024.
"I feel scared, threatened, and even disgusted by the way everything is playing out," Sanchez said regarding the increase in ICE deportations.
Sanchez said while she supports the deportation of criminals involved in rape and murder, she spotlights hardworking immigrants, particularly those of Hispanic descent.
She said the deportations have sparked widespread fear among Hispanics, regardless of legal status, making them hesitant to leave their homes.
"These raids and deportation efforts have targeted brown immigrants," she said. "White immigrants are less likely to be targeted because it is difficult to 'suspect' their legal status due to their skin color."
Sanchez said her loved ones live in fear and urge others to understand their rights when facing ICE encounters, including not opening the door, not answering questions and not signing anything. She also warns that deportation efforts coming to the area.
"I only hope people realize the importance of immigrants in our country and that immigrants learn to advocate and fend for themselves in situations that could've been prevented through education and awareness," she said.
FHSU Student Karina Vargas said while her family members are American citizens, she regularly checks in on her friends.
"I do have a couple of friends who are undocumented, and I check on them a couple of times a week just to make sure they're OK," she said.
Vargas said her friends who are pursuing higher education live in fear of deportation. While she acknowledges the need to deport individuals convicted of serious crimes, she opposes the deportation of hard-working immigrants.
"There are a lot of criminals who don't do good for American society, and there are a lot of immigrants who do good for society economically," she said.
Vargas's grandparents immigrated to the U.S. in 1977. Following the example of her mother, a K-State graduate, she is pursuing a nursing degree.
In regards to her family, Trejo said they came to the U.S. in pursuit of a better life, and she supports the deportation of individuals involved in violent crimes.
Trejo also expresses concern about how deportations are carried out and advocates for the humane treatment of undocumented immigrants.
"We're just here to have the same opportunities as everyone else should in this world," she said.
Other policy changes protestors said they would like to see include easier, faster, and more accessible pathways to legal status and prevention of family separations.
Protesters also highlighted issues including LGBTQ+ rights, abortion and Elon Musk's influence within the Trump administration.
