FUQUAY-VARNIA, N.C. — "Can I see an ID?" It’s a question many of us are often asked whether at the pharmacy or checking out a library book — but not everyone in the state has access to one.

El Pueblo, a partner of FaithAction ID, an international community ID program that provides valid identification to people who cannot access a federal state or consular identification, is helping bring this service to people in Wake County. 

In the first 50 days of the Trump administration, more than 32,000 arrests were made of people in the U.S. illegally, according to ICE. That’s near the total number of arrests made in the 2024 fiscal year, just over 33,000 arrests, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Arrests and rumor mills online have created fear and panic for many, including the Latino community, Bryanna Garcia, El Pueblo’s Civic Community Engagement Manager, said. El Pueblo, a nonprofit organization to help bring voice to those in the Latin American community in the state, are helping those who may not have access to to an ID obtain a FaithAction ID. 

“We know that there's a big need, and there's great fear right now. And so we want to be there for our community members who are going through hardships,” Garcia said. 

FaithAction IDs were started by Faith Action International House almost 20 years ago, she explained.

“We saw that there was a need after the North Carolina Legislature stopped giving IDs to those who were a part of the undocumented community. Now we give out the IDs as a form of identification, for members again, who cannot access a federal ID," Garcia said. “We saw that there was a need after the North Carolina Legislature stopped giving IDs to those who were a part of the undocumented community. Now we give out the IDs as a form of identification, for members again, who cannot access a federal ID," Garcia said. 

It is important to note FaithAciton ID cards are not a state-issued form of identification or a drivers, license. It cannot be used to vote, enroll in social welfare benefits and does not have an impact on an individuals' immigration status. 

When it can be used, though, is if a police officer asks for identification, without knowing immigration status, at the pharmacy or library. 

“You have to show some form of I.D. in most of our society today. It might not be the best way to take their [those who do not have an ID] passport with them everywhere in case they lose it and they're unable to renew or receive another form of identification,” Garcia said. 

El Pueblo’s FaithAction ID cards are valid in Wake County. 

If a community member wishes to obtain a FaithAction ID, they must come do the process in person.

The person must first show a form of identification approved by local law enforcement, according to El Pueblo’s website. This includes an expired drivers license, national identification card, consular registration, passport or other form of identification from their embassy. 

A proof of address must also be brought, such as a utility bill or bank statement. 

“Then they'll come and watch our orientation video that talks all about what they can do with the community ID, what they cannot do with the community ID,” Garcia said. 

After the card is processed with a $10 fee, the person will get their ID in one-to-two weeks. 

“We know it's a very difficult time for our community. There's a lot of misinformation that's going out there, and we want to be able to have a way to support our community,” Garcia said. “One of those ways is for our community ID program, for them to have a form of identification where they're able to show that this is who they are.” 

Yadhira Depena (left) speaking with one of the businesses at the table of an El Pueblo health fair. (Spectrum News 1/Sydney McCoy)

FaithAction International has multiple locations of partnerships throughout the state of where to obtain a FaithAction ID. Those interested can check with local partners in area for guidance on use and regulations.

El Pueblo hosts other events in the community, including a health fair, started by El Pueblo intern Yadhira Depena. Local community organizations from Growing Smile Pediatric Dentistry, UNC Medicare and Interact all took part.

“Knowledge is power, and I feel that many people in my community, we are there in pain tolerant… it's important that we're doing something like this just to so people know this is available to us, we have this and we should take advantage of it,” Depena said. 

For more information on El Pueblo and community events, visit their website.