Immigrant Advocates Brace for Trump’s Second Term, Urging Communities to Prepare for Mass Deportations

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term, immigrant advocacy groups across the United States are ramping up efforts to help vulnerable communities prepare for potential mass deportations. In workshops from California to Florida, experts are advising immigrants on how to protect themselves and their families if faced with deportation under Trump’s promised crackdown.

In Los Angeles, Winston Leiva of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights told participants in a bilingual workshop to plan for the possibility of arrest and deportation. He emphasized that immigrants should make arrangements for the care of their children in case of arrest, and always exercise their right to remain silent when interacting with authorities. “The truth is we don’t know to what extent it will affect us,” Leiva said, referring to the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s immigration policies.

The Coalition’s meeting was just one of many nationwide as immigrant community’s brace for what is expected to be a renewed push for stricter enforcement of immigration laws. Advocacy groups are hosting “know-your-rights” trainings in immigrant-friendly states like California and Illinois, as well as states like Florida, where immigrant laws are more stringent.

In Danbury, Connecticut, home to many Ecuadorian and Dominican immigrants, organizers urged attendees not to speak with immigration agents if they come knocking, and reminded them not to lie if they do choose to engage. Meanwhile, groups like Connecticut Students for a Dream are pushing undocumented youth to apply for U.S. citizenship or other immigration benefits before potential delays under the new administration.

With the fear of mass deportations looming, legal experts are advising immigrants to prepare for possible separation from their families. The Florida Immigrant Coalition is holding free clinics to help those eligible for legal status navigate the complex process, and the National Immigrant Justice Centre in Chicago is racing to resolve as many cases as possible before Trump’s second term begins.

Lisa Koop, national director of legal services at the Centre, expressed her frustration over the anticipated policy changes: “It is demoralizing that the electorate lived through what happened last time and decided to go back to it.”

Despite the uncertainty, immigrant advocates remain committed to protecting families. “We know that separation is an issue, and we want to make sure that families are prepared,” said Renata Bozzetto of the Florida Immigrant Coalition, urging families to draft legal papers to ensure the care of their children and property if deportations occur. As Trump’s administration prepares for aggressive enforcement, immigrant communities across the country are bracing for impact, hoping to shield their families from the devastating consequences of mass deportation.