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Published on January 22, 2025
Detroit and Milwaukee Brace for Impact of Trump's Stricter Immigration PoliciesSource: Wikipedia/Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

As President Donald Trump begins to implement his broad immigration agenda, communities across the country, including Metro Detroit's Hispanic population, are bracing for what many fear will be a new era of strict immigration enforcement. Trump's commitment to ending asylum access, mass deportations, and challenging birthright citizenship has sown alarm in cities like Detroit and Milwaukee, whose residents and local leaders are urging those affected to educate themselves about their rights.

In Detroit, the impact of Trump's promises to halt illegal entry "immediately" and enforce harsh deportations is causing deep concern for residents. "I'm scared myself," Belda Garza, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Mexico City, disclosed in a statement obtained by WXYZ. The former state representative emphasized the fear within her community, reasoning the need to be cautious about interactions with law enforcement to avoid potential deportation. Echoing Garza's sentiment, LA SED Detroit's executive director, Mary Carmen Muñoz, noted the visible presence of ICE agents in Southwest Detroit and the organization's endeavors in preparing for what might come, as mentioned by WXYZ.

Trump's determination to end birthright citizenship was characterized as "crazy" by immigration attorney Herman Dhade, who highlighted his concern for Michigan families potentially being torn apart by deportations in a statement provided by WWJ Newsradio 950. The executive order seeking to end this constitutional right under the 14th Amendment is being met with legal challenges, with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joining 18 other Democratic state AGs in a federal lawsuit, as reported by both WWJ and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

In Milwaukee, local organizations like Hanan Refugees Relief Group and Voces de la Frontera are reacting to the uncertainty created by Trump's executive orders and the pause of the federal refugee program. Christine Neumann-Ortiz, executive director of Voces, highlighted the looming threat of mass deportation and stressed the importance of knowing legal rights in preparation for potential high-profile raids, as per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Ald. JoCasta Zammaripa urged the community not to panic, but to focus on informing and educating, reassuring members of their safety in interactions with local police and fire departments.

As this political shift takes place, community leaders and immigration advocates are working together to support those affected by new policies. They stress the importance of knowing one's rights and preparing for potential legal challenges. These advocates are dedicated to keeping the community informed as they face these changes.