Immigration advocates are bracing for President-elect Donald Trump’s promised crackdown on undocumented immigrants, preparing for rapid and widespread deportations once he returns to the White House.
“We expect swift, large-scale efforts to deport as many people as possible,” said Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center, during a rally outside the Capitol on Monday. Matos and other advocacy groups began planning for such actions earlier this year in anticipation of a Trump victory.
Trump has confirmed his plans, using his Truth Social platform to announce that he will declare a national emergency and potentially use the military to support his deportation efforts.
Advocates in Connecticut are reassuring undocumented immigrants that they will provide support. “If families are torn apart, it defeats the purpose because people come to the U.S. to be with their families,” said Tabitha Sookdeo, executive director of CT Students for a Dream. Sookdeo, whose family faced immigration challenges after moving from Guyana, shared her personal experience of losing her grandmother during the process, leaving her family in legal limbo.
In response, Connecticut Democrats have pledged not to cooperate with federal deportation efforts. Attorney General William Tong (D) pointed to the state’s Trust Act, which prohibits local and state agencies from assisting federal immigration enforcement. “Connecticut will continue to support our immigrant families and communities,” he said. However, exceptions exist, such as when an undocumented immigrant is convicted of a Class A or B felony, though Tong declined to clarify whether this would trigger federal notification.
Connecticut Republicans criticized the state’s stance, arguing that their policies do not align with public sentiment. Rep. Vincent Candelora (R-Minority Leader) claimed Connecticut spends too much on services for undocumented immigrants, including Medicaid and education, and that voters are concerned about public safety. “These policies are out of step with what residents and Americans want—safe borders, public safety, and controlled immigration costs,” Candelora said.
Related topics:
- Sen. Katie Britt: Trump Will Showcase His ‘Strength’ on Immigration in First 100 Days
- How Biden Can Strengthen U.S. Immigration Policy: Key Options to Consider
- Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Set to Begin on Day 1
