KCLN 2025 Updates
- KS Latino Community Network
- Nov 26
- 8 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
Community, civic power, and the moments that shaped our work this year.
2025 has been a year of movement — literal and figuratively. From energizing voter participation in Southwest Kansas to standing up for immigrant families in Lenexa, our network has been showing up where it matters most. Below you'll find highlights, calls to action, statement that reflect our commitment to justice, comunidad, and civic engagement across the state.
PRESS RELEASE -
Why We’re Sharing This
Kansas communities are pushing back against policies that harm our immigrant neighbors — and faith leaders are stepping up with moral clarity. This vigil brought together organizations, familias, and clergy to demand dignity, justice, and human rights.
Por Qué Compartimos Esto
Las comunidades de Kansas están resistiendo políticas dañinas contra nuestros vecinos inmigrantes — y los líderes de fe están levantando la voz con claridad moral. Esta vigilia unió a organizaciones, familias y líderes religiosos para exigir dignidad, justicia y derechos humanos.
LOCAL GROUPS TO HOLD INTERFAITH VIGIL / RALLY IN SUPPORT OF IMMIGRANTS
— June 30, 2025—
Overland Park, KS (June 30, 2025) — Local immigration-rights and faith organizations will hold a Prayer Vigil and Rally in Support of Our Immigrant Neighbors, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 6:30PM on at St. Andrew Christian Church, 13890 W 127th St, Olathe, KS 66062.
The event is sponsored by: Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation (AIRR); SCL Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation; El Centro; LoudLight; Kansas Latino Community Network; and Kansas Interfaith Action (KIFA). Speakers will focus on: the vital role immigrants and their families play in our communities; opposition to the illegal and unjust treatment of immigrants and others under the Trump administration’s policy of extrajudicial arrests and rendering; and opposition to the private-prison company CoreCivic’s plan to open an ICE detention center in Leavenworth. Faith leaders will pray for just treatment for our immigrant neighbors. The event will conclude with a candlelight service and song. Karla Juarez, Executive Director of AIRR and one of the speakers, said, “At AIRR, we believe in the power of community and collective action. Immigrant Kansans deserve to live with dignity and without fear. We’re proud to stand united with partners and community members to demand justice, compassion, and a future where all families are safe and free.”
Rabbi Moti Rieber, Executive Director of Kansas Interfaith Action, said, “In the Torah, it says no fewer than 36 times, ‘Care for the immigrant, for you were immigrants in the land of Egypt. Thirty-six times — so it must be pretty important.”
Ashley Hernandez, Organizing and Policy Coordinator of the SCL Office of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation, said, “CoreCivic is a private prison corporation with a long, well-documented history of abuse, neglect, and profit-driven harm, so their plan to open an immigration detention center in Leavenworth isn’t just a policy issue; it’s a matter of human rights, public accountability, and moral responsibility.”
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PRESS RELEASE -
Why We’re Sharing This
Moments like these remind us why advocacy matters. When our neighbors are targeted, our role is to show up, organize, and demand accountability. This update captures a turning point for Lenexa — and for our statewide movement.
Por Qué Compartimos Esto
Momentos como este nos recuerdan por qué la defensa comunitaria es vital. Cuando nuestras comunidades son atacadas, respondemos con unidad, organización y voz fuerte. Esta actualización muestra un momento clave para Lenexa y para todo Kansas.
Lenexa Residents Rally Behind Councilwoman Arroyo and Immigrant Community After ICE Raid
— August 5, 2025 —
Lenexa, KS — On Tuesday, August 5th, residents, elected officials, and community advocates gathered at Lenexa City Hall to show strong support for Councilwoman Melanie Arroyo, local immigrant families, and the Latino community following a troubling ICE raid and a politically motivated attack on Councilwoman Arroyo’s citizenship. “Tonight, our Lenexa community came together in support of Councilwoman Melanie Arroyo after she was unfairly targeted in a racially motivated attack. It was truly refreshing to see our Lenexa neighbors speak out against the injustices that threaten our immigrant communities.” said Lenexa resident and teacher Dr. Marta Silva .
On July 31st, ICE detained 11 individuals during a raid on local restaurants, leaving businesses abandoned and families in crisis. One restaurant was left completely unattended, posing serious safety concerns. Several people detained have already been released—an outcome that raises further questions about the evidence used to target individuals and businesses. The community is still awaiting answers.
At the same time, Councilwoman Arroyo—a Latina local elected official —has been the target of a baseless complaint questioning her citizenship, which the Lenexa Police Department inexplicably chose to investigate. Residents are outraged.
“Councilwoman Arroyo is a public servant, elected by her neighbors. She is not only deserving of dignity, she is due the same respect and protection as any other elected official in this chamber.” said Rev. Jacquie Fernández, Lenexa resident and Senior Minister at Unity Church of Overland Park. “The complaint lodged should have been handled as a complaint against the system that qualifies council candidates. Handled appropriately, a question about eligibility of one sitting council member would call into questions the eligibility of all members. I would like to see the council commit to reviewing police protocols for how complaints are vetted and followed, particularly those that could undermine public trust and democratic processes. Lenexa can still be a model—a city where different beliefs and backgrounds don’t divide us but deepen our strength.”
Key Concerns Raised at the Meeting:
Waste of Tax Dollars: Residents condemned the use of police resources on xenophobic complaints rather than real public safety issues.
Disrespect to Voters: The investigation undermines the will of Lenexa voters who chose Councilwoman Arroyo to represent them.
Racial Profiling & Harassment: Targeting a sitting councilmember from an immigrant family sends a dangerous, discriminatory message to the entire community.
Immigrants Are Essential
Supporters emphasized that immigrants are core to Lenexa’s economy and community—and deserve protection, not persecution. “This isn’t just wrong,” said a community organizer. “It’s unAmerican.”
Call to Action - Last night is just the beginning
Organizers are calling for accountability from city leadership and urging the community to continue showing up, speaking out, and standing together.
But we can’t stop here.
We’re urging residents to keep the pressure on by contacting their council members and city leadership.
We are deeply concerned that valuable city resources were used to investigate a baseless, xenophobic complaint.
We want a public apology for the harm caused to Councilwoman Arroyo and the immigrant community.
We expect accountability—including a review of how complaints are handled and how racial bias is addressed.
We demand that city leadership focus on real threats to public safety, not manufactured political distractions.
Call. Email. Follow up. Make it clear this isn’t just a flash of outrage—it’s a movement for justice, safety, and good governance in Lenexa.
Because our city deserves leadership that protects all of us—not just some of us.
To our Neighbors in other cities: we invite you to look closely at what’s happening here. Use this moment to start conversations and push for proactive protections in your own communities—so that what’s happening in Lenexa doesn’t happen to you.
After the city council meeting Lenexa city councilwoman Melanie Arroyo said “ I want to thank everyone who showed up in support of our immigrant friends and neighbors, and for the outpour of love extended to me personally. It means everything to me that people from all walks of life and different backgrounds, people who knew me personally and others who didn't, showed up and spoke to the council. I don't take your presence and advocacy for granted. This meeting was also a beautiful example of what it looks like to collaborate with members of the community to create a vision for a better Lenexa. When we said we didn't have answers or solutions, everyone pitched in and gave us somewhere to start. We will continue to work together to bring the best of our city, because this is what democracy in action looks like.“
Because our cities deserve leadership that protects all of us—not just some of us.
Media Contact:
Aude Negrete
Kansas Latino Community Network
Karla Juarez
Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation
Together, we send a clear message: Lenexa stands for dignity, inclusion, and justice for all.
PRESS RELEASE -
Why We’re Sharing This
Southwest Kansas is home to vibrant Latino communities, but voter participation has historically lagged behind. This event wasn’t just a fiesta — it was a strategic push to bring joy, culture, and civic engagement together.
Por Qué Compartimos Esto
El suroeste de Kansas tiene comunidades latinas llenas de vida, pero la participación electoral sigue siendo baja. Este evento no solo fue una fiesta — fue un esfuerzo intencional para unir cultura, comunidad y participación cívica.
Kansas Latino Community Network Hosts
“Taco Tuesday Election Block Party” to Encourage Voter Participation in Seward County"
LIBERAL, Kan. — November 2, 2025 —
The Kansas Latino Community Network, in partnership with El Pastorcito, SCCC HALO, and UFCW Local 2, invites the public to a free community Election Block Party on Tuesday, November 14th, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. outside La Canasta/El Pastorcito Parking Lot in Liberal.
The event will feature free tacos, pastries, and hot chocolate, plus fun for all ages with bouncy houses, face painting, and live music by DJ Studio 81. The celebration aims to bring the community together and inspire greater civic participation in Seward County — an area with one of the lowest voter turnout rates in Southwest Kansas.
“All candidates running for elected positions are welcome to join us, meet voters, and celebrate civic engagement,” said Karina Vazquez, Civic Engagement Manager for the Kansas Latino Community Network. “We want to encourage our community to vote and have their voices heard.”
The Election Block Party is open to everyone — families, students, and residents from across Southwest Kansas are invited to attend, enjoy the festivities, and learn more about voting and local elections.
The Kansas Latino Community Network thanks its event sponsors and partners for making this celebration possible: El Pastorcito, El Patron 99.5 FM, SCCC HALO, Lucena’s Party Attractions, LLC, DJ Studio 81, and Mary May Events Décor Rentals.
Join us Tuesday, November 14th, and be part of a fun, family-friendly evening that strengthens our community and our democracy.
Official Public Statement from the KCLN Board of Directors
Why We’re Sharing This
We believe in transparency and steady leadership. This statement clarifies organizational stability, respects privacy, and reaffirms our commitment to our mission and partners across Kansas.
Por Qué Compartimos Esto
Valoramos la transparencia y la confianza. Esta declaración aclara la estabilidad de la organización y reafirma nuestro compromiso con nuestras comunidades, aliados y socios en todo Kansas.
Official Public Statement -
— November 26, 2025 —
Querida Comunidad,
The KCLN Board of Directors is aware of a personal matter involving a member of our staff. This matter does not involve the finances, personnel, operations, or programs of the organization. It does not affect our fiscal integrity or our ability to meet commitments to our funders and partners.
Our board and leadership team remain united and fully focused on advancing our mission to serve Latino communities across Kansas. We are grateful for your continued partnership and trust as we move forward with transparency and accountability.
The staff member involved was on a leave of absence, and has returned to their professional duties. With respect for the privacy of all persons involved, the organization will not be commenting on specifics regarding this matter. We ask for your understanding and compassion as we continue our work.
Juntos, con respeto y esperanza we can uplift and empower Kansas forward.
Con agradecimiento,
KLCN Board of Directors
Catalina Velarde, Chair