Feb 8 • 15:20 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina La Nacion (ES)

Bad Bunny's Refuge in Brooklyn: this is 'Casa Toñita', the place where migrants forget the fear of ICE

In Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood, Casa Toñita, a Puerto Rican social club, serves as a refuge for migrants seeking solace from the fears surrounding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Casa Toñita, a Puerto Rican social club located in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, has become a celebrated refuge for migrants, allowing them a brief escape from the anxiety caused by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Established in the 1970s and gaining prominence through its mention in Bad Bunny's song 'NUEVAYoL', this space serves as more than a club; it symbolizes a community where migrants can gather, connect, and feel a sense of belonging away from their homeland.

The club's appeal lies in its rich cultural heritage and the spirit of Puerto Rican identity it embraces. By referring to Casa Toñita in his lyrics, Bad Bunny not only elevates the club's status but also connects the challenges faced by Puerto Rican migrants in New York with their roots. This connection provides comfort to many who visit, allowing them to forget, at least momentarily, the pressures of their uncertain immigration status and the overarching atmosphere of surveillance.

As it continues to serve its purpose as a safe haven, Casa Toñita reflects broader themes of migration, community, and identity. It stands as a testament to the strength of social clubs in fostering resilience and solidarity among marginalized groups within the immigrant landscape of urban America, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges they face from immigration enforcement policies.

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