Streets Deserted Over Fears of Arrest Amid Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered from foreign media that parts of Chicago are seeing major changes under Donald Trump’s immigration policies, with communities retreating into the shadows amid intensified raids by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
OTN News further reports as gathered that some part of the state that were once lively now appear deserted as some immigrants expressed fear of being deported.
OTN News had earlier reported that shortly after the inaugural event of the newly elected US president, Donald Trump, signed into order the deportation of illegal immigrants, which he empowered the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest and deport immigrants with illegal documents.
In response to this order, many in the States, especially those with illegal documentation are currently in fear as majority of them could not go to their daily job as fewer people are venturing outside due to fear of being caught up in the crackdown.
OTN News gathered from monitored international reports that one resident, Steve, shared his fears for his mother, who came from Mexico years ago without proper documentation.
He said, “She crossed the border over here to get a better life for us when we were born, to get education and all. She’s scared to go out there, that she might get picked up."
OTN News further reports as gathered that at a local community center that provides support to migrants, staff have ramped up security measures.
Furthermore, the gate at the entrance now remains closed, and workers begin their day by surveying the streets for immigration officers.
It was also learnt that there is notice on the front door advising migrants on what to do if ICE arrives.
Inside the center, Oliber, a Venezuelan migrant working legally in the U.S. with a valid work permit, described how fear has altered his daily life.
He said, “I feel scared,” he said. “I go out feeling frightened. I don’t go out now like I used to. I used to go out every day until night-time, I’d work at any time, but now I can’t go out anywhere.”
He added: “There are rumours about migrants and I’m scared, that they might catch me, deport me. My family depends on me. I can’t go out like I used to, I’m scared, I’m scared.”
OTN News, however, observes that the impact of these enforcement actions is evident with immigration officials reporting an increase in daily deportations compared to the final year of Joe Biden’s presidency.
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