Whitefish residents demand action against policing policies impacting immigrants

In a tense and emotional gathering at Whitefish City Hall, community members voiced their deep concerns over recent police practices that they believe disproportionately target individuals based on their ethnicity. The meeting, held on May 5, 2025, became a platform for residents to share personal stories and advocate for a more inclusive approach to law enforcement.

One resident, Shannon, who has lived in Whitefish for 24 years, expressed her fears about interactions with law enforcement. Despite being a U.S. citizen, she described feeling unsafe due to her appearance, fearing that a simple traffic stop could lead to detention by border patrol. “Today, my greatest fear is meeting law enforcement,” she said, highlighting the anxiety faced by many in the community who feel vulnerable due to their ethnic backgrounds.

Another speaker, John Ratka Skinner, a community advocate, shared his experiences with the local Latino community and criticized the police for calling border patrol during routine traffic stops. He argued that such actions create an atmosphere of fear and exclusion, particularly for individuals who are legally residing in the country. “There’s really no excuse to be calling border patrol on brown folks,” he stated, emphasizing the need for law enforcement to rely on existing interpretation services rather than escalating situations unnecessarily.

The discussions centered around a recent incident involving a local resident, Renjifo del Castillo, who was stopped by police despite having valid documentation. Skinner pointed out that the police's actions seemed to stem from racial bias rather than legitimate concerns, raising alarms about what he described as a form of ethnic cleansing in the valley.

As the meeting progressed, community members called for the city council to issue a proclamation welcoming immigrants and ensuring that law enforcement prioritizes community safety over deportation fears. The emotional testimonies underscored a growing demand for change in how law enforcement interacts with diverse populations in Whitefish.

The council now faces a critical decision on how to address these concerns and foster a more inclusive environment for all residents. As the community grapples with these issues, the hope remains that dialogue can lead to meaningful reforms that protect the rights and dignity of every individual in Whitefish.