The Guatemalan-Maya Center in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, is posting signs to raise awareness about increasing detentions since the start of the year.

The signs carry stark messages such as: “Florida Highway Patrol kidnapped someone here” and “ICE kidnapped a community member here.”

Mariana Blanco, the center’s Director of Operations, says the goal is to highlight the targeting of community members, including those with valid work permits and driver’s licenses.

Petrona Lopez, a lifelong resident, fears the chilling effect on daily life.

People are afraid to go to work, school, or even the grocery store. Community members stress the urgent need for collective action.

The sense of fear is spreading, and the impact on daily life is undeniable. Community members describe the situation as unacceptable and stress the urgent need for action to stop it.

AP Video shot by Cody Jackson