Once again, a tow truck company is preying on immigrants trying to live their lives, this time outside of a check cashing store in Homestead, FL. Several immigrants have reported that while they were visiting the Check Cashing USA Store at 338 N Krome Ave, Homestead, FL 33030, tow truck drivers from VIP Towing have been towing away their legally parked cars.
These drivers have demanded bribes in cash, harassing and tormenting people simply trying to pay their utility bills, purchase money orders and send remittances back home. Similar incidents have been reported outside the ICE field office in Miramar, which led to the City Commission passing a resolution condemning the inhumane conditions there.
Three different people have reported to WeCount! that they’ve had their cars towed and were subjected to racist harassment by drivers, who hurled vile insults and threatened to call ICE. A disabled man, a double amputee waiting inside one of the vehicles, was threatened by a driver who said he would tow him away along with the car after he said we wasn’t able to leave by himself.
The following is a statement from Sergio M. an immigrant who was harassed by a tow truck driver while visiting Check Cashing USA:
“I am protesting because Check Cashing USA unjustly towed my car while I was doing business inside their location,” said Sergio M. an immigrant who was harassed by a tow truck driver while visiting Check Cashing USA. “When I refused to pay the driver, they abused me verbally and threatened me with calling immigration so I would be deported. I was completely disrespected and subjected to racial profiling. I will never do business there again.”
Lis-Marie Alvarado, President of the Board of Directors of We Count! stated: “We do not support companies that abuse immigrant and profit from the fear our community feels under Trump. This is unacceptable.”
Any immigrant who wants more information about their constitutional rights when in contact with law enforcement or border patrol should call our hotline to review their rights in Spanish, English and Kreyol: 1-888-600-5762. The hotline managed by We Count!, Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC), and American Friends Service Committee.
The Florida Immigrant Coalition is a statewide alliance of over 60 member organizations, including farmworkers, students, service providers, grassroots organizations and legal advocates, who come together for the fair treatment of all people: floridaimmigrants.org.
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