LOS ANGELES — In light of President-elect Donald Trump’s commitment to large-scale deportations upon returning to the White House, Winston Leiva emphasized the need for immigrants to adopt protective measures. He urged attendees at a bilingual workshop in Los Angeles to develop a plan for their children’s care in the event of an arrest, refrain from opening doors to authorities without a signed warrant, and most importantly, to remain silent when questioned.
“We’ve encountered this administration before,” Leiva told a gathering of immigrants eager to understand their rights. “What remains uncertain is the full impact of their policies on our lives.”
The meeting organized by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights was set in a conference room adorned with a vibrant mural celebrating civil rights leaders and a large American flag. This event is one of many similar gatherings nationwide as advocacy groups prepare for Trump’s second term. Many who mobilized during his first presidency are revisiting their activist roles, as his administration made considerable changes to the immigration landscape of the country.
From Utah to Massachusetts, various organizations are facilitating “know your rights” sessions aimed at educating immigrants on safeguarding themselves, their friends, and family from the anticipated deportations that could commence as soon as Trump assumes office again. These initiatives are particularly active in states like California and Illinois, known for their immigrant-friendly legislation, as well as in states such as Florida, which enforces stricter immigration laws.
In Danbury, Connecticut, advocacy organization Connecticut Students for a Dream provided resources to undocumented youth, advising participants on how to respond if immigration agents come to their homes. They stressed that speaking with agents is not mandatory and cautioned individuals to avoid making false statements.
Additionally, advocates are advising eligible immigrants to apply for U.S. citizenship or other benefits as soon as possible, in anticipation of longer wait times under a forthcoming administration that seems to prioritize enforcement over integration. The Florida Immigrant Coalition is offering free legal clinics to assist immigrants who might have a pathway to legal status but lack the financial means for legal representation.
At a bustling immigration court in Chicago, attorneys from the National Immigrant Justice Center are hurrying to resolve numerous cases before Trump’s inauguration. “This time feels distinctly different because we are anticipating what is coming our way,” said Lisa Koop, the organization’s national director for legal services. “It is disheartening that voters have chosen to return to the conditions we faced previously.”
Trump’s campaign has pledged to implement the largest deportation initiative in U.S. history during his next term, although the logistics of locating and detaining individuals remain uncertain. Fear permeates immigrant communities, with many calling advocacy groups seeking reassurance regarding their legal status or expressing concerns about the potential ramifications for U.S. citizens born to parents who might be deported. Advocates are encouraging families to prepare legal documentation to address such scenarios.
“We recognize that family separation poses significant challenges, and our goal is to ensure families have a plan regarding their children’s care and property management,” remarked Renata Bozzetto, deputy director at the Florida Immigrant Coalition.
In New Haven, Connecticut, community advocates have been engaging with high school students. “We’ve seen an influx of requests from students seeking information,” explained Rachel Doft, director of legal services for Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services. “Many students, especially those from mixed-status families, are frightened by Trump’s deportation plans and are eager to learn more about their rights.”
Fiona McEntee, an immigration attorney in Chicago, shared that valuable lessons were learned during Trump’s previous tenure, leading to better organizational strategies among advocates. She was part of the extensive network of lawyers providing pro bono services to travelers at O’Hare International Airport in January 2017, following Trump’s controversial travel ban.
“As much as we dreaded facing this situation again, we have grown in experience,” McEntee noted. “We have evolved into a more knowledgeable group of immigration lawyers compared to eight years ago.”
In Los Angeles, participant Julie Gomez, 50, attended the workshop to gather crucial information that she could later share with her Guatemalan community. Though she feels personally safe from Trump’s immigration policies, she is acutely aware of the pervasive anxiety among others. “Many individuals fear deportation and wonder about the fate of their children,” Gomez shared. “There is a sense of confusion and concern.”
Throughout the session, Leiva, who coordinates community education efforts at CHIRLA, detailed essential steps immigrants should take if approached by federal agents. He advised individuals to compile vital documents and set aside funds for legal assistance. Moreover, if detained, he encouraged individuals to provide only their name and birth date so loved ones can locate them through an immigration database. “Do not facilitate their job,” Leiva urged the men and women present. “They operate under their mandates. Claim your rights.”
