MIAMI — At Nora Sandigo’s expansive dining table, parents gathered for a meal before formalizing arrangements that would designate her as the legal guardian of their children in the event of deportation. Before signing the papers, Sandigo provided guidance on what essential documents to take: birth certificates, medical and school records, immigration paperwork, and her contact information.
“Explain to your children what could happen, and ensure they memorize my phone number,” Sandigo advised the assembled group of around 20, which included small children, during a recent gathering at her home in southwest Miami. For many in attendance, including those living in the U.S. without legal status or with temporary protection, concerns have intensified as Donald Trump begins his second presidential term. His administration has been characterized by aggressive immigration policies and promises of swift actions aimed at reshaping the current framework.
“Instead of fear, prepare yourselves,” Sandigo encouraged as she demonstrated how the families should react if immigration officers come to their door. “Be cautious, no matter where you are.” Sandigo, who has lived in the U.S. since 1988, has volunteered as a guardian for over 2,000 children in the past 15 years, including more than 30 just in the last couple of months. A notary was present to officiate the legal arrangements.
Among those present was Erlinda, a single mother from El Salvador who arrived in the U.S. in 2013. She took the step to assign legal rights for her two children, aged 10 and 8. While Erlinda has applied for asylum, the uncertainty surrounding her case weighs heavily on her mind.
“I fear for my children, imagining what it would be like for them to endure the agony of being separated from me for days, months, or even years,” expressed Erlinda, who preferred only her first name be used due to concerns about potential detention.
Rumors surrounding imminent deportation operations have created a tense atmosphere, particularly after a leak suggested plans for Chicago. Tom Homan, designated by Trump as the “border czar,” stated on a Sunday news program that while Chicago remained on the radar, they would reconsider the timing and methods due to safety concerns for officers after the revelations.
Sanctuary cities, including Chicago, have become a focal point for Trump’s administration. These cities implement restrictions on how local law enforcement interacts with federal immigration agencies, causing increased anxiety among immigrant communities. Reports indicating that the initial operations might target such locations have heightened fears significantly.
Chicago established itself as a sanctuary city in the 1980s and has since strengthened its policies, particularly in response to Trump’s first term beginning in 2017. Just last week, the city council firmly rejected a proposal that would permit local police to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with deportation proceedings for individuals suspected or convicted of crimes.
Rev. Homero Sanchez, who supports the immigrant community in Chicago, reported that he only recently became aware of the deep-seated fears affecting local families. One individual even approached him about managing their home sale and finances in case they were detained after Trump assumed office.
“They believe they are being targeted simply for their identity and feel as if past fears have been awakened,” noted Sanchez, who ministers at the St. Rita of Cascia Parish on the South Side of Chicago. “There’s a prevailing feeling that their city has become hostile as a result of these looming threats.”
Sanchez dedicated the Sunday Mass to expressing solidarity with all immigrants. Cardinal Blase Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago, echoed these sentiments, describing reports of targeted immigration enforcement in the city as “deeply disturbing and hurtful.”
“We take pride in our immigration heritage, which continually rejuvenates the city we love,” Cupich remarked during a visit to Mexico City, reinforcing the importance of standing with those facing deportation.
While ICE typically arrests only a small fraction of its targets during operations, experts anticipate a broader stretch under Trump’s approach compared to that of President Joe Biden, who focused primarily on individuals with serious criminal backgrounds and those posing national security risks. Biden’s administration also removed the practice of large-scale worksite raids common in the prior administration, such as a significant operation targeting poultry processing plants in Mississippi in 2019.
Trump’s advisors have indicated that immigration enforcement might also target individuals who, despite not being official targets, are unlawfully residing in the country, which adds to the uncertainty felt by many families.
