Every day when Efigenia says goodbye to her husband as he leaves for work, she worries and wonders, “Will something happen to him today?”
Requesting that her last name not be used, Efigenia’s mounting concerns are shared by many other undocumented immigrants feeling increasingly anxious about whether their loved ones – or they themselves – will return home after working or grocery shopping … or if they will be picked up by immigration officials.
“I know I have to remain calm for my son, but we always have that fear,” admitted Efigenia, her voice shaky as she held back tears, during a recent online meeting of “Our Voice: Communities for Quality Education,” a bilingual group for immigrant parents of school-aged children living across Los Angeles.
Numerous parents shared similar stories during the discussion, which addressed how to prepare for the possibility of being approached by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities, and what they should and shouldn’t do if they find themselves in that situation.
Group members also discussed recurring claims that many are hearing of sightings of ICE vehicles or agents, which have reportedly been seen at supermarkets or other sites throughout the San Fernando Valley, the Greater LA area and throughout the state.
“We know that some families are very, very afraid because they’re watching videos on TikTok, they’re watching videos on Instagram that seem to show that there may be immigration agents in their communities,” said Evelyn Aleman, founder of Our Voice, asking the parents for feedback.
“I think the majority of our community is feeling very worried, because even if something doesn’t happen to us, it might happen to a family member… but right now we are also being bombarded with false information, and we have to be careful about what we believe,” responded Rocio (who also requested her last name be withheld). “We need to inform ourselves and verify what we hear.”
At press time, the only confirmed incidents in California to date happened in Kern County Jan. 7-9, when U.S. Border Patrol officials carried out immigration raids in and near Bakersfield targeting undocumented farmworkers. Agents arrested at least 78 individuals in the raids, including citizens of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Ecuador, Peru and China.
Dubbed “Operation Return to Sender,” it was the first worksite immigration raid in the state since the reelection of President Donald Trump. In his inaugural address last Monday, he vowed to deport “millions and millions” of immigrants back to their home countries.
On his first day in office, Trump signed nearly 100 executive orders, with many related to immigration policies that included: declaring a national emergency at the southern border; deploying military forces to the border; increasing usage of immigration detention; ending “catch and release” and reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy; and suspending refugee admissions.
While the parents’ discussion was held prior to Trump’s inauguration and the signing of his executive orders, they have been aware of his fervor and campaign promises to target undocumented immigrants.
“The reality is we do have valid reasons to be concerned,” Rocio continued. At the same time, Rocio and others agreed there may be people intentionally stoking fears among immigrants and eager to prey upon those fears. “There are lawyers who will take advantage of the situation.”
“We should definitely be careful with fake lawyers, especially with notaries who claim to be lawyers,” added Pedro. “And it’s better to seek out organizations that are more trustworthy and knowledgeable [about immigration], like CHIRLA [Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights].”
Preparing and Planning
For Lulu and other undocumented parents, staying home and attempting to hide from potential ICE raids or checkpoints that may be on the horizon isn’t an option.
“I try not to let my worries affect me too much, but it’s difficult and it does end up showing, but aside from being cautious, what else can we do?” said Lulu. “Most people still have to leave the house to go to work, to go to the store and buy groceries or take their children to school. And if you don’t have your own car, then you’ll have to take the bus to get around. We have to be out.”
Worst of all would be the devastating impact on the children if their parents are deported, noted Lulu, especially if they are separated from one or both parents. But even if a family is deported together, in many cases the children would be leaving the only home they have ever known.
“Their lives would change completely for them,” she said.
To help protect the children, Juanita said all parents should create a family plan. They should choose someone they trust who will take care of their kids if they are ever detained or deported.
In addition to creating a family plan, Juanita encouraged parents to keep all valid passports and IDs in a safe place, including children’s; make copies of all important documents; and never carry false documentation.
“And if an immigration official shows up at your front door, remember that you have the right to remain silent,” said Juanita. “Don’t run, stay calm … and do not sign anything at all.”
Immigrant Parents Take Action
To avoid giving in to their fears, Aleman said group members have been proactive. During the group’s regular meetings, they have been compiling a list of concerns and recommendations to share with local and state officials, politicians and organizations.
“We know that we live in a sanctuary city, a sanctuary state and have a sanctuary school district … but the parents feel there are still more ways all of these different government agencies can align, in ways that might be helpful that maybe [those agencies] haven’t thought about,” she said.
“It’s one thing if the leadership hears from nonprofit leaders,” continued Aleman. “But it’s much more impactful and it makes more sense if they’re hearing directly from the people who would be most affected – the immigrants and families themselves.”
Shortly after Trump was sworn into office, he threatened to cut off federal funding to sanctuary cities that don’t comply with federal immigration enforcement.