Community Reflects on Its Own Immigration Practices

Over one hundred people came out to see the sneak-peek of Homeland: Immigration in America, a three part documentary co-produced by the Nine Network and KCPT for PBS’ 2012 Election Coverage.

Attendees viewed the second part of the documentary titled “Enforcement”, which illustrates the lengthy process of attaining citizenship legally, the inconsistencies in the legal system, and policemen who have to choose between enforcing the law and building trust with documented and undocumented immigrants in integrated communities.

The policemen in the documentary are two of Kansas City’s own. Police officers Matthew Tomasic and Chato Villalobos, who work in the Westside, were in attendance and answered people’s questions about their work in one of KC’s largest Hispanic neighborhoods.

Comments about the film included concerns about the use of the term “illegal”, pride in the police officers compassionate and community approach, and stories about prejudice against Hispanics in other areas of Kansas City.