Part 5/8:
A striking outcome is the community’s stance on policing. Despite prevalent narratives that minority communities demand police removal, the survey indicates that 70% of Latino voters support more police in their neighborhoods. This underscores that the community values safety and order, challenging stereotypes that associate Latinos primarily with anti-police sentiments.
Juan Ronel highlights that this support for law enforcement aligns with broader immigrant experiences. Historically, immigrant groups such as Poles, Italians, and Irish have also prioritized safety and community stability, as seen in neighborhoods like Little Village, which shifted from Polish and Czech to predominantly Mexican residents over the years.