Since the area’s current Border Patrol operation began in earnest last week, community leaders say many people have been afraid to go to work. .

The loss of income has put many families in dire situations, those leaders say.

“Our phone's ringing all the time,” said Edwin Escobar, Pastor of Ministerio La Gran Comisión, a Pentecostal church in Harvey. The church has started a to collect donations and provide help to those who seek it. It is also accepting donations of food and hygiene and infant supplies.

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“I got a call from a mother saying, ‘I have a special needs kid, I don’t have food, I need help.’ How can you not help?” said Suyapa Cortez Caballero, the church’s secretary.

Meanwhile, larger organizations

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