City calms citizens amid immigration and hate crime fears

Since last week's presidential election Austin city council members say they've been contacted on numerous occasions about safety from hate crimes. They are reassuring citizens that city leaders are working to make sure people feel safe.

Democrat or Republican, most agree no one deserves to be mistreated.

“Since election day the media has reported an uptick in hate crimes around the country. I sincerely believed this conduct was emboldened by the rhetoric of this presidential election,” said Delia Garza, city council district 2.

Austin city leaders say since the election of Donald Trump last week, they've received several fearful calls.  They now want to reassure Austin residents they will do all they can to prevent hate crimes. They also hope to stop the separation of families.

“I spoke with many people and one was my friend and constituent Fernando. I spoke with him right after he took a phone call from his young daughter. He's a loving hard working single father. He got a call from his daughter weeping asking if they were going to send someone to take him away,” said Greg Casar, district 4.

Cristina Tzintzun has that fear as well.

“My child from the moment he's born will be made to feel less like a human, like an anchor baby by our highest elected official,” said Tzintzun.
               
The expecting mother says her husband came to Texas at a young age, but he is undocumented.

“My son and I will live in constant fear that my husband, his father, will be taken from us at any moment,” said Tzintzun.

The Trump administration has proposed deportation, but only to undocumented immigrants, not the ones here legally. Still, some disagree with it  and some lawmakers are proposing stricter laws like a ban on sanctuary cities.

“We have those cities or those jurisdictions that choose not to enforce immigration law. The bigger picture is it's about rule of law,” said Sen. Charles Perry.

Many  feel deportation is not the answer.

“The common denominator among all of us is a concern and care  for all the people who live in our city,” said Mayor Steve Adler.

People like Tzintzun may not be happy about the outcome of the election, but she just hopes her husband can stay home.

“This election is the most fearful I've ever been in my life throughout an election,” said Tzintzun.