Far Beyond the Washington Clamor, Trump’s Immigration Regime Already Changing Life on the Ground
As the new administration takes shape, the arrival of Donald Trump’s immigration regime is already having a significant impact on millions of people, including undocumented immigrants, their families, and their communities. As the president’s mass deportation pledge becomes a reality, people are seeking advice from organizations that provide guidance on their rights and how to protect themselves and their loved ones.
At a “know your rights” forum sponsored by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) at the United Teachers Los Angeles office, hundreds of people gathered to learn about their rights and how to protect themselves from immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. The forum was filled with practical questions, such as what to do if ICE shows up at a business demanding to talk to workers, or how to inform the blind and deaf people they work with about their rights if stopped by ICE.
Despite the fear and anxiety that pervade the community, CHIRLA Executive Director Angelica Salas emphasizes the importance of staying strong and determined to protect individual and collective rights. She encourages people to fill out a “Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit” to ensure that their children are taken care of if they are detained or deported. Salas’ organization is also working with teachers and school districts to train educators to recognize signs of stress in children who may be worried about their parents’ immigration status.
In addition to providing practical advice on how to navigate the uncertain landscape of Trump’s immigration regime, CHIRLA is working to build a network of community organizers, lawyers, and videographers who can respond quickly to ICE enforcement operations. Salas notes that the group has been helping thousands of undocumented immigrants fill out the caregiver affidavit, and is working with local leaders to provide training on how to spot signs of stress in children worried about their parents’ immigration status.
As the Trump administration intensifies its deportation efforts, CHIRLA is also encouraging local authorities to provide protection to those who are being targeted. Salas notes that the group has been working with the Los Angeles Unified School District to provide training to school administrators on how to recognize signs of trauma in children and to ensure that they are prepared to respond in the event of an ICE raid.
Despite the daunting task of resisting Trump’s immigration crackdown, Salas remains optimistic, pointing to the resilience and determination of the immigrant community. “This country has been forged by people who have been willing to resist,” she says. As the stakes rise, it remains to be seen whether the Trump administration will be able to overcome the resistance of those who are fighting for their rights.
