Volunteers in Phoenix gave free vehicle inspections to help identify vehicle light issues on Saturday.
More than a dozen community members showed up to have their brake lights, tail lights and license plate lights checked, and replaced if necessary. Volunteers with Puente, an Arizona-based human rights group who works with the immigrant community, installed donated bulbs at no cost, going as far as purchasing the necessary bulb if they did not have it on hand.
Puente said they’re concerned traffic stops for minor vehicle infractions could lead to targeted immigration enforcement.
Matt Gonzales came to the event with a broken tail light after not being able to find the time to fix it.
“I felt welcomed immediately as I pulled up,” Gonzales said. “They didn't even know I was even coming here, and they immediately were like, ‘Come in, come over here.’ So I thought that was awesome.”
With their tail light repaired, Gonzales says they now have peace of mind.
Judith Coronel, who helped organize the event, said people started lining up two hours before it started.
We have just Puente volunteers who come to like food bank and different events, and they say, "I know how to change a light bulb. I can help you,” and they just show up for us,” Coronel said. “So we are so grateful. Without them and the community, we really couldn't do anything like this.”
Coronel says events like these show how communities show up for one another and keep each other safe.
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