As a Mexican American woman, President Donald J. Trump’s executive orders on immigration are extremely appalling. To have neighbors, friends, and family fear deportation just for being brown is terrifying—especially when you are a U.S. citizen. My loved ones and I have found ourselves encouraging each other to carry our U.S. passports at all times, a precaution that should be unnecessary in a country that claims to uphold justice and equality. His administration’s renewed immigration policies are not just about border security—they are a direct assault on immigrant communities, disproportionately targeting Latines under the guise of national safety.
Trump’s recent executive orders include the Laken Riley Act, which focuses on harsher penalties for undocumented immigrants, and a border closure proclamation that severely restricts asylum seekers. These policies continue to paint immigrants as criminals rather than hard working people seeking better opportunities. When it has been proven that immigrants bring down crime rates they don’t increase crime.
Moreover, Trump’s plan to establish a migrant detention facility at Guantanamo Bay is a drastic and inhumane measure that treats people fleeing violence and poverty as national security threats. The psychological and physical toll of such detainment is well-documented, yet the administration pushes forward with these punitive policies.
Trump’s hatred has long equated Mexican immigrants with crime, despite overwhelming evidence that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens. His administration’s recent attempt to pressure Mexico into accepting deportation flights is yet another example of his efforts to shift blame onto our southern neighbor. Mexico’s refusal to comply speaks volumes about the unjust nature of these deportations.
Additionally, Trump has threatened Mexico with trade tariffs if they do not comply with his immigration policies, weaponizing economic pressure to enforce his anti-immigrant agenda. These tactics hurt both Mexican and American workers, disrupting trade and economic stability.
The impact of these policies extends beyond the border. In schools, immigrant students and their families are living in fear, prompting initiatives like the Red Card program in LAUSD, which educates students on how to protect themselves against immigration enforcement. These efforts are necessary in an era where undocumented families are increasingly vulnerable to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and deportation.
ICE known to Latine communities as La Migra has long been a tool of oppression, and under Trump’s leadership, it has reached new levels of cruelty. His policies led to children being separated from their parents, locked in cages, and left in inhumane conditions a disgraceful chapter in American history. No one deserves to live in fear, yet millions of immigrants, including children, remain vulnerable to ICE raids and deportations. In response, California Senator Sasha Pérez has introduced legislation aimed at protecting students and families by requiring schools to warn them if ICE agents arrive on campus. This bill is a necessary step toward shielding vulnerable communities from the brutality of an unjust immigration system.
Meanwhile, Trump’s administration continues to push policies that redefine American citizenship, aiming to make it harder for immigrants to obtain legal status and citizenship. This not only affects those seeking to immigrate but also the millions of immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for decades, contributing to the economy and society.
This crackdown is not just about border control—it’s part of a broader trend of racial and ethnic discrimination. Trump has used immigration as a tool to rally his base, perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Latines and other marginalized groups. His policies reflect a long-standing pattern of xenophobia, reminiscent of past American policies that excluded and marginalized ethnic minorities. Yet, Trump received an overwhelming response of the hispanic vote.
As we move forward, it is crucial to challenge these narratives and advocate for humane immigration reform. The fight for immigrant rights is far from over, and the voices of those affected must be amplified to push back against policies that undermine the very foundation of America’s values. Know your rights if you see ICE arresting anyone here’s what you should do and can do.
For more information look at your local public officials or school to see if they have any town halls and attend them.