GREEN BAY, WI -- Members of the Green Bay Hispanic community thanking police tonight for recent outreach efforts.
This, after a letter from Chief Andrew Smith aiming to quell concerns over President elect Trump's call for mass deportations.
Gabriela Gamboa is president of the Hispanic Community Council of Northeast Wisconsin, when she's not busy being a radio personality for "La Mas Grande" FM radio 96.9 in Green Bay.
"It's very important I can spread their voice," says Gamboa, in between live hits on air.
She say's Trump's goal to deport nearly three million undocumented immigrants has people calling in, worried over whether relationships with local police will change.
"They're scared," says Gamboa, "if you are documented, or undocumented, it's just a scary situation for everyone."
Which is why she appreciates Chief Smith's letter this week, stating police are committed to keeping Green Bay's residents safe no matter their residential status.
"He's so wonderful, he's so cool," says Gamboa. "He's always worried about our community."
Meanwhile, Appleton Police say they're always look for opportunities to engage the Hispanic community as part of ongoing outreach.
The following is an official statement from Sgt. David Lund:
“Our agency has a long standing relationship with the Hispanic and Latino community. It is not a relationship developed out of a political event or driven by a singular event. Ours is a relationship embarked upon to meet personally with diverse groups in our community and to establish a trusting relationship. We have had outreach with Casa Hispana for some time. We have more recent relationships with the Spanish language magazine, La Vida Hispana and continue to look for opportunities to engage the Hispanic community in meaningful ways. Our upcoming “Coffee with a Cop”, while open to all community members, will allow officers an opportunity to meet with members of the Dominican Republic and Hispanic communities. Additionally, since the election, Chief Thomas has been in contact with our community partners to assure them of the Appleton Police Department’s commitment to ensuring their safety, while listening to their concerns.”
Now, Gamboa is encouraging parents to stay positive around their children.
"Your opinion about the new president can scare the kids," says Gamboa. "Talk to your kids about 'kid things'-'let's go play, let's talk about what's next for homework, what we're going to do together for dinner.'"
