- We move now to a "Closer Look" at what stricter
enforcement of immigration policies may mean in Wisconsin.
With immigration enforcement being emphasized by the new
administration many Latinos are concerned about possible
deportation and many are letting their voices and concerns be
heard.
Reporter Andy Soth spent some time at Wisconsin's first
Spanish language radio station to hear what's being talked
about.
- At Midwest Family Broadcasting's Madison headquarters,
a walk down the hall is like scanning the radio dial.
At the end of the hall you'll find La Movida, Wisconsin's
first and still Madison's only Spanish language station.
The station is run by husband and wife,
Louise and Lupita Montoto.
[speaking in Spanish]
- We're so different and unique,
compared to the other radio stations.
We have pretty much everything combined in one station.
- That means morning talk shows and music all day long.
While songs remain the same, with the change
in administration and immigration policy,
the talk has turned very serious.
- For that reason we will soon begin the construction
of a great, great wall along our southern border.
- Our community lives in fear in regards to deportations
and what law enforcement is going to be doing.
What is your stance?
- I don't believe that local law enforcement should be used
as immigration enforcement.
- Dane County Executive Joe Parisi is on this morning with a
Spanish translator.
- We have so many callers saying.
"What are you going to do?
Are they going to deport everyone?
My kids were born here."
- It's difficult to see a grown man cry from fear
and the unknown on what's going to happen to his family.
- The Montotos can't offer certainty, but do try to provide
their Latino listeners with useful information.
- We are the vehicle, the bridge that connects the
non-Latino community with the Latino community and vice versa.
- That includes a Facebook Live feed when Madison Police Chief
Mike Koval is in studio.
- We're not going to arrest [Spanish translation]
and we are not going to charge [Spanish translation]
anyone for just being undocumented.
- There is a lot of rumors out there.
And that's one of the things that we, as a station,
have to fight.
- I'm getting a question.
Do you know anything about immigration
or ICE in Middleton yesterday?
- Not a thing. No.
- While local officials offer reassurance,
the federal government's response is much less certain.
- There is a lot of fear in the Latino community
in regards to the U.S. government right now.
We live difficult times right now.
- The times may be difficult, but there is no better time
for La Movida to be serving its growing audience.
[speaking Spanish]
- Today the things are not in the best perspective
and the best interest of the Latinos or the immigrants,
but there's always a way to continue working hard
and having the hope that tomorrow will be a better day.