By Marcela Betancur, Executive Director, Latino Policy Institute
The dust has barely settled, and many of us are still processing the results of this election. The days since the outcome has been heavy, and I want to acknowledge the very real emotions rippling through our community. There’s frustration, fear, and uncertainty. I see it. I feel it. And we at the Latino Policy Institute are standing alongside you as we face what lies ahead.
We’ve been here before. During his previous term, Trump’s administration pushed policies that targeted Latinos directly: mass deportations that tore families apart, the separation of children from their parents at the border, and attempts to dismantle DACA, putting thousands of Dreamers at risk. He stripped away healthcare protections, making it harder for our community to access basic human rights and services, and promised to return to these strategies in his latest campaign. Now, he’s talking about escalating these attacks—threatening even more aggressive deportation tactics and promising to roll back Medicaid expansions, which could leave millions without health coverage. Let’s not sugarcoat it: these policies are about dismantling our safety and our future, piece by piece.
The Latino vote was put under a magnifying glass in this election, and the results are messy. We’re a diverse community – politically, culturally, racially, socioeconomically, and ideologically – and yet, we’re often treated like a monolithic block that can be easily swayed or manipulated. Politicians come to us for our votes but leave us out when it’s time to make decisions that impact our lives. It’s exhausting. And it’s insulting.
Here’s what we know: the misinformation targeted at us this election cycle was relentless. It’s heartbreaking, and it’s a reminder that we need to do better in ensuring our community has access to reliable and factual information. This is a priority for us at LPI. We’re committed to cutting through the noise and making sure that our people are informed, empowered, and equipped to make decisions that align with their values and their needs.
As we move forward, let’s stay focused on solutions. This is not the time to turn on each other or point fingers. It’s a time to come together, even if we don’t agree on everything. Because the challenges we’re facing are bigger than any one of us. We need to be there for each other, to protect each other, and to ensure that our community isn’t used as a scapegoat or an afterthought in the political landscape.
The policies coming down the pipeline are not abstract. They will impact us in real and painful ways. Access to healthcare, quality education, voting rights, civil protections, economic stability – these are not just “issues.” They are the foundations of our lives. And while politicians play games, we’re the ones who will pay the price.
At LPI, our commitment remains the same. We will fight for healthcare, education, economic equity, and civil rights. We’re here to ensure our community has what it needs to thrive. And we’ll keep working to create a Rhode Island and a country where all Latinos can live without fear, have access to opportunity, and have the power to shape their own futures.
To my fellow Latinos: I see you. I see your fear, frustration, and heartbreak. We’re all tired of the broken promises, empty rhetoric, and endless scapegoating. But let’s remember this—we are powerful. When we show up, we make waves. This election may not have gone as many hoped, but it’s a reminder of just how critical our voices are in this country.
We have to keep fighting, organizing, and voting—not just in national elections but locally, where the impacts hit closest to home. We can’t afford to check out or stay silent. That’s precisely what they’re hoping for. Our votes are our power, and we’re not giving that up.
At the Latino Policy Institute, we’re here to do more than just talk. We’re here to defend our community. We’re here to cut through the noise and the lies. We’re here to ensure our people have the resources, information, and support to stand tall despite whatever is coming. Our commitment isn’t just words; it’s action.
If you are looking for supports and services during this time, please visit:
Legal & Resource Support:
Legal Directory (List of organizations and support networks for immigration assistance)
Mental Health Supports:
Crisis Text Line (Type Ayuda for help in Spanish)
Civil Rights Information: