SAN LUIS, AZ — ABC15 visited San Luis, Arizona, a bustling border community in Yuma County, to hear local opinions about the potential impacts of President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed changes to immigration and border security. With talks of mass deportations, tariffs, and the use of military forces at the border, residents shared both concerns and hopes for what the future may hold.
San Luis, with a population of about 40,000, sees roughly 2.5 million people crossing from Mexico each year, or about 7,000 people daily. The town’s strong ties to its neighbor, San Luis Rio Colorado in Sonora, Mexico, are central to the community’s daily life.
Angelica Felix, a local business owner, manages a store that sells children’s clothing and school supplies just steps away from the port of entry. As winter sets in and the harvest season begins, she sees a boost in sales from the influx of workers. But like many in the community, Felix is concerned about the changes in immigration policy.
“I think everything will be fine,” she said. “I don’t believe much of what’s being said about shutting down the border or deporting people. At least, I hope not.”
However, Felix acknowledged that not everyone shares her optimism. “A lot of people are scared and think they’ll start removing more people or entire families,” she said.
The region relies heavily on migrant labor, especially in agriculture. Many migrant workers cross the border daily with special visas. According to a recent study by the University of Arizona, 28% of crop workers in the state are migrants.
Bea, a daily commuter from San Luis Rio Colorado, expressed mixed feelings about Trump’s immigration plans. “I think they’ll be both good and bad,” she said. Bea, who holds a work visa, is concerned that increased deportations could leave some workers without the means to support their families. However, she also sees a potential upside for people like herself.
“If they deport more people, there will be more work for people with contracts like us,” she said, noting that this could create more opportunities for those with legal status.
Jose, another migrant farm worker crossing from Mexico daily, shares a hopeful outlook. “They’re saying there will be a lot of opportunities, but we’ll see what happens,” he said.
Earlier this year, ABC15 reported on long border wait times in San Luis, with delays of up to 90 minutes being common. On busy days, some travelers faced waits of three to four hours. However, there are signs of progress. The port of entry is undergoing expansion, funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law, which aims to double the number of lanes from eight to 16. The first phase of construction is expected to be completed by next fall.
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