JACKSON, Wyo. — The Wyoming Immigrant Advocacy Project (WIAP) announced the launch of a new initiative on Monday designed to provide information about immigration enforcement presence in Teton County.

According to a news release, the Teton Area Rapid Response Network (TARRN) has been created to reduce fear and misinformation related to immigration enforcement activity. The network aims to keep neighborhoods safe while boosting the stability of local families, businesses and the regional economy. WIAP is a nonprofit that seeks to promote and defend the rights of immigrants through legal services, public education and advocacy.

“Unverified reports of immigration enforcement have caused enormous anxiety and disruptions within our community in the past year,” WIAP’s Community Response Coordinator Vanessa Chavarriaga said via statement. “TARRN will ensure access to verified information and support amid the current escalation in enforcement activities.”

TARRN operates a hotline for tips about suspected immigration enforcement activity in the community, with bilingual volunteers trained to collect details. Volunteer verifiers are then sent to the reported scene, where they will observe interactions, remind residents of constitutional rights and document key information. Volunteer verifiers are trained not to interfere with enforcement operations. After reports are verified or dismissed, updates will be shared through TARRN’s public communication channels.

To report potential immigration enforcement activity, call TARRN’s hotline (307) 454-0898.

Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.