As the inauguration of Donald Trump nears, many immigrant communities in the U.S. are bracing for what could be the largest expulsion of undocumented immigrants in the country’s history. At Lincoln United Methodist Church in Chicago, about 60 gathered amidst light snow to pray, plan, and prepare for the uncertain future. Reverend Tanya Lozano-Washington addressed the group, speaking of the anxiety that fills the air.
“The 20th [of January] is going to be here before we know it,” she told the congregation, passing out cups of steaming Mexican hot chocolate and coffee to warm the crowd.
Located in Pilsen, Chicago’s predominantly Latino neighbourhood, the church has long been a sanctuary for pro-immigration activists. However, after fears of being targeted by anti-immigration forces or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), they decided to move their Spanish-language services online, cancelling in-person gatherings. These fears are deeply tied to the incoming administration’s immigration policies, which have already stirred concerns about the treatment of undocumented immigrants
What Does the Threat of Deportation Feel Like for Immigrant Families?
For many at Lincoln United, the threat of mass deportations under Trump’s immigration policies feels very real. David Cruseno, a parishioner born in the U.S., spoke about his mother’s journey. She entered the U.S. illegally from Mexico, has worked for 30 years, and paid taxes, yet with Trump’s policies looming, Cruseno described the feeling as one of persecution.
“The threat is very real. It’s very alive,” Cruseno stated. “With the new administration coming in, it’s almost like a persecution. I feel like we’re being singled out and targeted in a fashion that’s unjust, even though we cooperate with this country endlessly.”
Cruseno’s fears echo the sentiments of many within Chicago’s Latino immigrant communities, who worry about the looming deportations and the possible end of sanctuary policies that have protected immigrants in the past. The deep concern about the future stems from how the immigration policies of the new administration will impact families and communities.
How Is the Rio Grande Valley Responding to Trump's Immigration Policies?
Meanwhile, over 1,400 miles south, in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, a very different sentiment regarding Trump’s approach to immigration is emerging. The region, divided by the Rio Grande River and a patchwork of dense vegetation, has long been a site of tension and challenge between law enforcement and border-crossing migrants. Yet, for some in this area, Trump’s immigration policies represent a shift toward restoring what they see as order.
“Immigration is essential… but the right way,” says David Porras, a rancher, farmer, and botanist who resides in the valley. “But with Trump, we’re going to do it correctly.”
The proximity of the Rio Grande Valley to Mexico has brought residents into direct contact with the realities of illegal immigration, and for many, the consequences are clear. A resident, Amanda Garcia, recounted experiences of migrants knocking on her door seeking water and shelter, sometimes in desperate situations. She shared a chilling encounter involving a young woman travelling alone with two men, showing clear signs of abuse.
“We had one incident where a young lady was by herself with two men, and you could tell she was tired – and being abused,” Garcia said.
For others in the community, such experiences underscore their support for a more stringent immigration policy. Starr County, where Garcia lives, has favoured Trump for the first time in 130 years. This shift reflects the deep divide among Latino communities on the issue of immigration. The changing political landscape is directly tied to Trump’s immigration policies, which many residents believe will bring order to the border.
Why Are Border Control Advocates Calling for Stronger Policies?
In Starr County, which is overwhelmingly Latino, the region’s residents are speaking out about their frustration with illegal immigration. Many fear the chaos and crime associated with border crossings, including drug cartels and human trafficking. Demesio Guerrero, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Mexico, emphasized the importance of keeping borders secure.
“We live in a country of order and laws,” Guerrero said, standing just meters from a metal border barrier. “We have to be able [to say] who comes in and out. Otherwise, this country is lost.”
His views are shared by other residents of the Rio Grande Valley, who repeatedly affirm their support for immigration, but only through legal means. Marisa Garcia, another resident, added, “We’re just tired of them [undocumented immigrants] coming and thinking they can do whatever they want on our property or land, and taking advantage of the system.”
Though some see Trump’s policies as necessary for order, the implications stir controversy. Support for the proposed detention centres in the region remains strong despite opposition from groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which calls it a “mass caging” that could lead to civil rights violations. For many, this debate centres on how immigration policies impact national security and the everyday lives of people living along the border.
How Are Sanctuary Cities Responding to Trump's Deportation Threats?
As Trump’s immigration policies continue to take shape, cities like Chicago, far from the southern border, find themselves at the heart of an ongoing debate over sanctuary cities. Chicago is one of many Democrat-run cities that has enacted laws limiting local police cooperation with federal immigration authorities, an effort aimed at protecting undocumented residents from ICE actions.
Tom Homan, who led Trump’s border policy, recently addressed a Republican gathering in Chicago, warning that the city could soon become “ground zero” for mass deportations. “January 21st, you’re going to look for a lot of ICE agents in your city looking for criminals and gang members,” Homan said. “Count on it. It will happen.”
Despite Homan’s warning, Chicago’s leadership, including Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker, continue to support the city’s sanctuary policies. These policies, known locally as the “Welcoming City” ordinance, remain a point of contention. In November, many Latino neighbourhoods that traditionally supported Democrats gave Trump a strong showing, indicating the growing divide on immigration issues.
Recently, two Democratic Hispanic lawmakers attempted to amend the ordinance to allow limited cooperation between city police and federal authorities, but Mayor Johnson and his progressive allies blocked the measure. This division highlights the continued debate over the implications of immigration policies in sanctuary cities like Chicago.
What Are Immigrant Communities Doing to Prepare for Deportations?
At Lincoln United Methodist Church, the congregation continues to prepare for the worst. For legal immigrants like D Camacho, a 21-year-old from Mexico, the fear of what’s to come is palpable. “I’m scared, but I can’t imagine what people without papers are feeling,” Camacho said.
In response to the looming crisis, Mexican consular officials have developed a “panic button” app to help immigrants alert family members and consulate representatives if they are detained. Lincoln United also contacts legal experts to advise on financial planning and childcare in the event of deportation.
Rev. Emma Lozano, a longtime community activist and the mother of Reverend Tanya Lozano-Washington, shared her concerns about the impact on families. “If someone with five children gets taken, who will take the children in? Will they go to social services? Will the family be divided?” she asked.
The question of how to protect families and how to support immigrant communities during this turbulent time is on the minds of many. With the future of immigration policies uncertain, immigrant communities continue to seek ways to defend their families.
How Can Immigrant Communities Defend Their Families Amidst Growing Uncertainty?
As Lincoln United plans for the future, many of its members reflect on the uncertainty of Trump’s presidency. Families are scared, yet they continue to push forward, determined to protect their loved ones and their communities.
“Those are the kinds of questions people have,” said Rev. Emma Lozano. “‘How can we defend our families – what is the plan?'”