Donald Trump’s second term as US president has begun with a series of actions aimed at delivering on his promises on immigration and border security, especially in border states. In particular, Texas has become one of the epicenters of new immigration initiatives, with proposed legislation strengthening state authority over illegal crossings and greater collaboration with federal deportation policies.
Texas state senator Bob Hall introduced a bill that would allow the state to act on illegal border crossings. The bill would declare Texas to be in ‘imminent danger’, which would allow state authorities to prosecute illegal border crossers, including giving law enforcement the power to deport migrants immediately. Speaking to KLTV, Hall explained that the bill is primarily aimed at combating drug cartels, which he said are responsible for much of the violence and illegal trafficking on the southern border.
Despite the most recent data from the Pew Research Center indicating a decline in migrant encounters along the southern border, especially after a record high in December 2023, Senator Hall remains steadfast in his approach.
“What we can do is reduce it (the number of encounters) as much as possible and make those who do it and get caught pay dearly for doing it”, Hall said.
ICE Raids: Intensifying pressure on migrant communities
In addition to local legislation such as that of Texas, the federal government has intensified its efforts through Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which has begun to carry out massive raids on migrant communities in several US cities. According to Telemundo reports, ICE will focus its operations mainly on Chicago, New York, and Aurora. These raids focus on arresting undocumented immigrants, especially those with outstanding deportation orders.
ICE raids often take a variety of forms, from worksite operations to interventions in Latino communities, where high rates of migrants are concentrated. While these actions are designed to curb illegal immigration and force the deportation of undocumented persons, they have also raised concerns in affected communities. Many migrants fear arrest and deportation, which has led civil rights organizations and advocates to urge migrants to know their rights and how to interact with ICE agents.
A key aspect of this strategy is that migrants must be aware of the legal limits of ICE’s actions. Raids must be conducted by the law, and there are protection mechanisms in place for people inside the US, even if they do not have proper documentation. This is why it has become crucial for migrant communities to receive legal guidance and support in defending their rights.
A tougher immigration policy under Trump
The Trump administration’s approach to immigration has been characterized by its toughness and the implementation of harsh measures to contain migration flows. The combination of local laws such as the one proposed in Texas and ICE actions reinforce the policy of mass deportations that have been a hallmark of Trump’s tenure.
For migrant communities, especially Latinos, this situation represents an increase in uncertainty and fear, as federal raids and local laws could have direct repercussions on their daily lives. In this context, migrants need to be well-informed about their rights and the actions they can take to protect themselves.