Hey Locals,

In today's newsletter, we're talking about what's happening with immigrants and refugees locally, and how it relates to happenings across the U.S. Stay tuned for Thursday's Above the Fold.

We also brief you on last weekend's local protest against ICE in Downtown Fort Wayne, where hundreds of residents braved the frigid weather. On a lighter note, there might be more winter activities near Fort Wayne soon to help you embrace the snow.

In this week's To Do List, we offer ways you can help feed your neighbors and a fun Bridgerton-inspired dance event at the new Philharmonic Center.

Now, let's get started!

NOTE: Links to Journal Gazette articles are marked(*) and may be behind a paywall.

Immigration + Fort Wayne:

What’s happening here?

What's happening?

Amidst chaos and tragedy at the national level, we’re looking at how Fort Wayne has been – and continues to be – affected by immigration policy.

• You might remember: Last fall, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita launched an investigation into suspected labor trafficking in Fort Wayne, naming Catholic Charities of the Fort Wayne South Bend Diocese, Amani Family Services, and Amazon as part of the investigation. And in November, the federal government announced the termination of Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for residents from Myanmar (formerly Burma) on January 26.
• Since then: We’ve heard many concerns about Fort Wayne’s immigrant and refugee populations, especially considering current events across the country. Catholic Charities quelled concerns about the fate of Fort Wayne’s Burmese population – the vast majority of whom do not technically have TPS. Still, the question remains whether people beyond those affected by TPS changes might be targeted, and Rokita’s investigation is ongoing, too.

As cities across the U.S. grapple with the Trump administration’s implementation of immigration policy, what does it all means for Fort Wayne?

We break it down in Thursday’s Above the Fold newsletter  – for paid members only.

• Despite Sunday’s record-breaking 8.7 inches of snow, about 150 people gathered Downtown to march against ICE. Following recent protests in Minneapolis, and the second fatal shooting of a protestor at the hands of an ICE officer in recent weeks, local activists led by Fuerza Unida (@fuerzaunida) and the Fort Wayne Food Slut (@fortwaynefoodslut) organized a march of more than 150 people starting at the Allen County Courthouse and ending at the E. Ross Adair Federal building. Together, protesters sent emails, made calls, and tagged Senators Jim Banks and Todd Young in posts online, urging them to cut funding for ICE. Food Not Bombs Fort Wayne was also on site, providing mutual aid at Freimann Square Park (where they provide free meals every Sunday, 2 p.m.-3 p.m. – no questions asked). 
• If you’re enjoying the snow, Fort Wayne might soon offer more winter activities. Last week, the Allen County Board of Zoning Appeals approved the use of farmland in Southwest Allen County for a new recreational winter activities park for snow tubing and ice skating (November-March). Business owners of American Resort Partners, LLC, noted that “Grand Rapids, the same relative demographics as Fort Wayne, has three skiers plus tubing,” and “Fort Wayne doesn’t have any.” The park would be near the I-69 and I-469 interchange in Yoder, Ind., about 20 minutes south of Fort Wayne. Neighbors expressed concerns about development on farmland and traffic, but the zoning board approved the plans with the condition that no music be played outdoors. Further approvals are still needed.
• The former Downtown Taco Bell might become a new restaurant or more parking for Downtown – at least for a few years. Last year, the Allen County Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board (CIB) paid more than $2 million to buy out Taco Bell’s lease in the “Fast Food Block” and relocate the franchise across the street as part of its long-term plans to free up the block near the Grand Wayne Center for future development. (Plans include relocating both Rally’s and King Gyros, too, whose leases are ending soon on their own.) Ultimately, the CIB hopes to redevelop the Fast Food Block – potentially as an expansion of the Grand Wayne (or a casino?). Whatever it becomes, CIB members say the project is still a few years away, so they’re seeking short-term uses in the meantime.

• Plowshares local food stalls at Electric Works are at risk of closing due to federal funding delays. If you’ve visited Union Street Market lately, you’ve probably noticed their stalls in the East Hall, which once stocked regional and local produce, are empty. Owner Jain Young tells us Plowshares (a project of the nonprofit Heartland Communities) has relied on grant funding, which ran out in September 2024. "We kept it going for another year before we had to close,” Young says. “We applied for more funding from the USDA, which was supposed to announce funding awards last fall, but the federal shutdown and other circumstances have delayed the announcement.” If Heartland receives a grant, it can reopen its business open for another three years, pending negotiating a new lease. If not, it will have to close permanently. Stay tuned as we learn more. 

• Meet: the Fort Wayne Coffee Club at Parlor Donuts on Jan. 31 at 9 a.m. for Donuts with Dad. Dads, stepdads, bonus dads, and grandpas are all welcome.
• Dress up: for an immersive Bridgerton-inspired event at the new Philharmonic Center with Fort Wayne Dance Collective on Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m., including light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. (Tickets start at $35, and period costumes are welcome, but not required.) 
• View: a special collection of artwork by the late Terry Pulley, a Wabash artist who made a lasting impact on visual arts in Fort Wayne, on display at Electric Works until the end of January. Other businesses on Broadway will also be featuring his work, so stop by Ruth Koomler Art Gallery, Gallery 02, Fancy & Staple, Delaney’s and more.
• Fundraise: for Nourishing our Neighbors at Rune Restaurant on Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. to support free meal giveaways in 2026. Event organizer Katie Jo(Slingin' Sunshine) says: "In 2025, we handed out over 3,000 free meals and shared thousands of dollars in groceries, clothing, hygiene products and more." This year, the goal is $5,000, and the event includes a bake sale, silent auction, cake walk, bar by Rune and more.
• Skate: at Headwaters for $1 days every Thursday, Jan. 29-Feb. 19. This deal honors the late Dr. John Crawford – Fort Wayne Councilman, oncologist, and champion of public health in the city.

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Have a great week, Locals!

-Your Editor, Kara Hackett