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HCSO Hosts Migrant Outreach Day In Ruskin

Tribune photo by JOHN CEBALLOS

Sujey Serrano, left, receives a plate of food from Sgt. Rob Rodriguez and Manuel Acevedo, a code enforcement investigator, during the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office third Migrant Outreach Project in Ruskin. The goal of the event on March 14 was to encourage trust and cooperation between the county's migrant population and law enforcement.

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By JOHN CEBALLOS

jceballos@tampatrib.com

Published: March 25, 2009

RUSKIN - Instead of being populated with squad cars, the parking lot of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office District 4 facility was recently transformed to a festive destination with food stands, musical performances and more than 2,000 visitors.

It was the sheriff's office's third Migrant Outreach Project held March 14.

"The goal is to foster a relationship and a sense of trust between law enforcement and the county's migrant population," said Maj. John Marsicano, District 4 commander.

The event took place between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. and was attended by 2,110 migrant workers and their families, according to the official head count.

Marsicano said a large number of crimes in the Spanish-speaking community go unreported because many migrants are hesitant to contact the authorities, worried their citizenship status may be discovered.

The sheriff's office hosted its first two Migrant Outreach Projects in 2005 and 2006.

"It's a really big undertaking, and the last two years we just weren't able to put everything together and make it happen," Marsicano said. "With the economy the way it is right now, this year seemed like the right time to bring it back and help out the community."

The project was established by retired Maj. Jerry York, who was the commanding officer at the District 4 office in 2005.

"It had become very apparent that there was a gap between the Hispanic community and law enforcement," York said. "We wanted to find a way to communicate to them that we're not the enemy.

"My staff and I brainstormed. It started out with just giving away blankets and jackets, and it just grew from there."

York was present at the third outreach event and saw firsthand how much his brainchild has grown.

The day featured free haircuts courtesy of volunteers from area salons. Other giveaways included baby supplies, personal hygiene items and 35 bicycles with accompanying helmets for children.

Nearly 20 social services providers were present to offer counsel in legal, financial, domestic and medical matters.

Area businesses were also invited to show their wares during the event.

"This event helps plenty of people and is a great service for our community," Erica Martinez said in Spanish as she gave out tortillas from Rancho Mexicano, a Wimauma eatery.

Bags of groceries also were given to families. Lakeland-based Cahill Ministries donated $175,000 worth of food to the Migrant Outreach Project.

Mariachi Internacional took the stage at 10 a.m. and provided nearly an hour's worth of entertainment.

"I heard about this on the radio a couple of days ago and just decided to bring my family," Victor Hernandez also said in Spanish. Hernandez attended with his wife and daughter and got a free haircut.

While organizers realize the rift between law enforcement and the migrant population will not be bridged over night, they believe initiatives such as the Migrant Outreach Projects are steps in the right direction.

"I think the relationship has certainly improved over the years," York said. "I think if you can reach one family and convince them to believe in us, then we've made a difference."

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555.

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