LETTER TO THE EDITOR, Janeth Vazquez, Liberal City Commissioner
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has shown support for my recent efforts to protect families in our community, particularly those who may be vulnerable during times of deportation. The response has been overwhelming, and I am deeply grateful to be a part of a community that cares about the safety and well-being of all its members.
As a City Commissioner, my primary concern is the protection of hard-working families — those who contribute to our community every day, no matter their status. My recent social media post on my PERSONAL page was intended solely to provide guidance and ensure that families, especially children, are kept safe in uncertain times. This is not about supporting criminal activity but about ensuring that people know how to protect themselves during a difficult situation. The focus has always been preserving the safety of families, especially the most vulnerable, and not creating division.
We face difficult challenges in today’s world, and now more than ever, it is essential that we stand together. Our strength as a community lies in our ability to engage in meaningful conversations, respect different perspectives, and work toward solutions that benefit everyone. Immigration issues can be complex, but they should not divide us. Instead, they should remind us of the importance of unity, understanding, and support for one another.
I firmly believe that we can find common ground, and I am committed to continuing this dialogue with you — our neighbors, families, and community members. My role as city commissioner is to uphold the law while also ensuring that every individual, regardless of background, feels safe, informed, and valued. The information I shared was not about promoting unlawful behavior but about ensuring that people understand their rights under the law. Knowing one’s rights is not about evading the law; it is a fundamental part of due process in this country.
Once again, thank you to everyone who has reached out with words of support. Your kindness and encouragement inspire me to keep working toward solutions that protect families and strengthen our community.
I am just showing the Law you decide.
8 U.S. Code
Encouraging: It is a criminal offense to encourage or induce an alien “to come to, enter, or reside in the United States while knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that the alien’s entry or presence is or will be in violation of law.”
Transporting: It is a criminal offense to provide transportation within the United States for an alien knowing “or in reckless disregard of the fact that [the] alien has come to, entered, or remains in the United States in violation of law.”
Smuggling: Bringing or attempting to bring a person into the United States at any place other than a port of entry knowing that he/she is an alien is a criminal offense.