President-elect Donald Trump is already taking steps to implement key promises from his campaign, including increasing border security and carrying out large-scale deportations of undocumented immigrants. While his supporters are likely to back these moves, many immigrants and advocacy groups are expressing concern about what lies ahead.
Trump has appointed Tom Homan, former head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to oversee the border and enforce mass deportations. Homan, who served during the previous Trump administration, is expected to lead aggressive efforts against undocumented immigrants. The president-elect also named Stephen Miller, a well-known immigration hardliner, as deputy chief of staff for policy. Miller’s policies, which contributed to family separations during the last administration, have sparked criticism from immigrant rights groups.
On Tuesday, Trump announced that he would nominate South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to head the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If confirmed, Noem will lead an agency central to Trump’s immigration strategy. In 2021, she supported efforts to send National Guard troops to Texas as part of its Operation Lone Star, a mission aimed at deterring migrants.
These appointments and proposals have raised alarm among immigrant advocates. Dylan Corbett, executive director of the Hope Border Institute, warned that Trump’s immigration agenda would have dire consequences for undocumented individuals and those seeking refuge in the U.S. “There are a lot of people in the country right now who are afraid,” Corbett said.
Many in immigrant communities, as well as those working with migrants, are bracing for difficult times ahead. Corbett noted that religious and humanitarian organizations supporting immigrants have also been under attack, with some facing legal challenges. For instance, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton previously attempted to shut down Annunciation House, a Catholic nonprofit aiding migrants at the southern border.
“Those who minister to migrants are also feeling anxiety and grief,” Corbett added, emphasizing the need for solidarity from the church. “It’s going to be a tough four years.”
For some immigration attorneys, like Linda Dakin-Grimm in Southern California, the prospect of Trump’s return to power has already prompted fear. Dakin-Grimm described the reaction to his election as one of “shock and despair,” with many questioning how severe the situation will become. She is advising her clients to quickly apply for immigration status and renew work permits before the new administration takes office.
Dakin-Grimm expects significant reductions in work permits and the potential end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a program that shields immigrants from deportation if their home countries face crises such as conflict or natural disasters. She warned that Trump’s policies could reshape the immigration system, with a focus on employment-based migration rather than family reunification.
In San Antonio, Josephine López Paul, an organizer with Communities Organized for Public Service (COPS/Metro Alliance), reported a “palpable fear” in local immigrant communities. She said that despite the challenges ahead, the organization is moving forward with plans for a community gathering on December 8 to bring people together. “The election doesn’t change what we do,” she said, adding that local connections are key to breaking down stereotypes of immigrants.
López Paul underscored that immigrants are not a threat but neighbors who contribute to their communities. “We feel the pain of immigrants in our city and region,” she said, highlighting the disconnect between voters who supported Trump’s policies and the reality faced by immigrant families on the ground.
Corbett also called on Catholics to stand by the marginalized during the coming years, citing Pope Francis’ call for the church to support those in desperate situations. “It will be a moment of trial for the church, but also a moment of deep renewal,” he said.
In recent interviews, Homan has stated that his initial focus will be on deporting undocumented immigrants who pose a threat to public safety, though he has denied that the U.S. military will be involved in deportations. Homan emphasized that ICE would carry out the operation in a “humane” manner, stating, “It’s going to be a well-targeted, planned operation.”
As Trump prepares to take office, the outlook for immigrant communities remains uncertain, with many fearing the full impact of his immigration agenda.
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- Ramaswamy Urges Unity, Stands by Trump’s Immigration Plan
- Trump’s New Border Czar, Tom Homan, Unveils Bold Immigration Strategy
- Trump’s Priorities: Focusing on Wealth Over Visa Restrictions
