Many immigrant families and communities are being ripped apart as new policies seek to raid neighborhoods, schools and workplaces looking for undocumented immigrants. The goal of this movement is to take action against an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants who have illegally entered the United States.
These enforcement actions can affect anyone with a legal immigration status. Communities can protect their members and prepare for mass deportation actions by becoming educated about what mass deportation means and the legal rights of immigrants. Here is what you should know:
What is mass deportation?
Deportation means the removal of an undocumented immigrant from the U.S. and involuntarily removed beyond State borders. Mass deportation targets large groups of undocumented immigrants. Mass deportation is carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), law enforcement and military personnel.
Who are the main targets of the 2025 deportation plan?
The main target of the 2025 deportation plan includes undocumented immigrants. An undocumented immigrant can include people who have entered the country illegally, overstayed their visas or violated immigrant laws.
However, these enforcement actions are often done without due process. In other words, immigrants who have legally entered the United States have been targeted during this mass deportation movement without appearing before an immigration judge regardless of their paperwork, how long they have been in the U.S. or whether they were natural-born citizens.
In some cases, undocumented immigrants who are the target of this deportation movement have entered the U.S. seeking asylum, are eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or are recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Adults and children alike are facing deportation enforcement actions, severely harming the well-being and daily lives of families.
What are your rights during deportation actions?
Undocumented immigrants still have rights despite their status. Documented and undocumented families who encounter ICE or other deportation groups have the right to remain silent and the right against unreasonable searches. These actions can help minimize the risk of deportation. Documented immigrants may consider carrying their legal documents showing their legal status at all times, allowing them to show deportation agents. Communities can consider attending local educational meetings to learn more about how to protect their legal rights.
Immigrants may need to reach out for legal help to learn more about their rights and seek help when facing deportation.