Immigration Advocates Urge Preparedness for Trump’s Mass Deportation Strategy

As President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration approaches, many communities are anxiously wondering how his plans for mass deportations will unfold.

A report by the Associated Press reveals that schools across the nation are bracing for potential disruptions as Trump aims to deport millions of undocumented individuals. Educators are receiving training on how to handle possible immigration raids in or near schools. However, some school superintendents are staying silent, concerned about drawing attention to their immigrant students.

While immigration raids near schools have traditionally been off-limits, the Trump administration has stated that this will no longer be the case, according to the immigration advocacy group FIEL.

Cesar Espinoza, a spokesperson for the group, said that while they have faced similar challenges before, they are currently in a wait-and-see situation, awaiting clearer details on Trump’s plans. In the meantime, Espinoza urges immigrant families to prepare, much like they would for a fire emergency. He advises keeping important documents, such as immunization records and passports, organized and accessible. Additionally, families should consider assigning a trusted relative access to their bank accounts if needed.

Local immigration lawyer Kim Bruno warned that carrying out these deportation plans could face significant legal challenges. “It’s going to be an uphill battle,” Bruno explained. “The constitutional and education violations involved may never be approved by the Supreme Court. People have rights, and any such enforcement could go against the Constitution.”

ABC13 has reached out to the Houston Independent School District (HISD) for comment and is awaiting a response.