Immigrants living in cities like Chicago are preparing themselves for the possibility of mass deportations due to the incoming administration of Donald Trump.
The election of Donald Trump as the President of the United States in November has led to a heightened sense of apprehension among immigrants residing in the country. While they have been making preparations for potential mass deportations, recent reports indicating that the initial focus would be on the Chicago area have intensified their fear and urgency.
Some undocumented immigrants in the country have been taking proactive steps to protect themselves in the event of potential separations or encounters with immigration agents. They have been designating power of attorney to trusted friends, making arrangements for childcare, and even installing security cameras on their doors.
Some individuals have chosen to depart willingly, as Trump advisors have urged them to do.
According to an anonymous official, there are plans to begin deporting individuals with a history of serious and violent crimes, targeting more than 300 individuals after Trump assumes office on Monday. Although the official did not provide any official details, it is clear that the focus will be on individuals with egregious criminal records.
The operation will primarily focus on the Chicago area and is expected to run throughout the entire week, with possible delays due to weather conditions, according to the official.
Chicago experienced frigid temperatures, with the mercury dropping to nearly -15 degrees Celsius. The forecast predicts that the cold weather will persist throughout the week.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests only a small percentage of its targets during such operations. However, it is anticipated that under Trump’s administration, the net will be cast wider compared to President Joe Biden. Biden’s approach mostly concentrated on apprehending individuals with significant criminal records and national security concerns, particularly those located away from the border.
The Biden administration has put an end to the practice of mass worksite arrests, a common occurrence during the Trump era. This includes the discontinuation of a 2019 operation that targeted chicken plants in Mississippi.
According to Trump aides, individuals who are not targets but happen to be in the country illegally, including spouses or roommates, may be subject to arrest. The soon-to-be president emphasized that mass deportations continue to be a top priority, although he did not provide a specific date or city for their commencement. However, he assured that these deportations would begin in the near future.
Sanctuary cities have been a recurring target for Trump, particularly Chicago. The city has been considered a sanctuary city since the 1980s and has strengthened its policies multiple times, especially after Trump assumed office in 2017.
The City Council decisively rejected a far-fetched proposal that sought to make exceptions for local police to collaborate with ICE agents on deportation cases involving individuals accused or convicted of crimes.
Immigrants are told to exercise their rights
Immigrant rights advocates in Chicago, such as Democratic US Representatives Jesus Garcia and Delia Ramirez, are advising immigrants to stay calm and assert their rights. They are specifically encouraging immigrants to exercise their right to remain silent and to refuse entry to officers without proper warrants.
Advocacy groups are preparing legal workshops in anticipation of potential mass arrests in the coming week.
Carlos, a Mexican immigrant, has been residing in the United States for several decades. Despite lacking legal status to remain in the country, the 56-year-old possesses work authorization in the fields of construction and welding.
In order to protect himself from potential deportation, he chose not to disclose his last name or provide any details about his immigration status.
Three children have legal status to stay in the country through the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, which could also be scrapped under Trump’s agenda.
Carlos stated that the family has taken proactive steps to prepare for the possibility of deportation. These measures include appointing someone to handle their financial affairs, as well as managing their home and car. In addition, they have taken the precaution of installing a camera on their suburban Chicago residence to monitor all visitors, with a particular focus on identifying any ICE agents.
Elena Barrera, an immigrant from Mexico, arrived in the late 1990s by crossing the border. During the summer, she works as a food cart vendor, and during the winter, she works as a cleaner.
A single mother, aged 48, lacks legal status to remain in the country, but she has three children who are US citizens.
The thought that terrifies her the most is the idea of being separated from her children.
The family has been preparing for the possibility of deportation by creating backup plans, such as having the older children take care of the youngest until they can all be reunited.
The couple has been talking about the possibility of relocating to Mexico, which would mean that one of her children would have to interrupt her studies at a prestigious university in the Chicago area.
Whenever the subject is brought up, her youngest child, who is 9 years old, bursts into tears, she revealed.
“He expresses his fear, sharing that he is worried about his mom not returning home one day. This concern weighs heavily on him, leading to moments of tears. Although nothing has occurred to fuel this anxiety, he is already overwhelmed by the possibility.”
