As President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to carry out mass deportations looms, undocumented immigrants across the U.S. are grappling with what it could mean for their futures. Among them is Gabriela, a Bolivian housekeeper in Maryland, who arrived in the U.S. more than two decades ago under dangerous conditions. Despite being one of an estimated 13 million undocumented migrants, she remains unfazed by the threat of deportation. “I’m not scared at all,” she said. “That’s for criminals to worry about. I pay taxes and I work.”
Gabriela’s view is shared by some in the immigrant community, who believe that they may be overlooked in the new administration’s sweeping plans. Others, like Carlos, an undocumented Mexican in New York, acknowledge a level of concern but hold out hope that Trump’s economic policies will improve their situations. “Things may be tense right now, but being worried isn’t a solution,” said Carlos. “The best thing to do is avoid problems and not commit any crimes.”
However, for many undocumented migrants, the situation is much more alarming. Eric Bautista, a 29-year-old “Dreamer” in California, faces an uncertain future despite benefiting from the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protects those brought to the U.S. illegally as children. Bautista, who teaches U.S. history, fears that the country is witnessing a resurgence of nativism, echoing past waves of anti-immigrant sentiment.
The incoming Trump administration has made clear that deportation will be a priority, with newly appointed “border tsar” Tom Homan emphasizing that undocumented migrants deemed national security or public safety threats will be targeted. While Trump has promised aggressive actions from day one, experts warn that executing such large-scale deportations could face logistical and financial hurdles.
The administration’s focus on deporting migrants without criminal records is also raising concerns. Under Trump’s first term, immigration operations led to “collateral arrests,” where individuals living with targeted migrants were also detained. This could become more widespread under the new administration, particularly in workplaces where undocumented individuals are employed in sectors like agriculture, construction, and warehouses.
For many families with mixed legal statuses, the fear of separation is palpable. Brenda, a Texas-based “Dreamer” protected from deportation, expressed concern for her husband and mother, who are not protected under DACA. With her two children being U.S. citizens, the thought of family separation remains a source of anxiety. “It’s important for us that we see our sons grow up,” she said. “The thought of being separated leaves one frightened.”
As the Trump administration prepares to act, undocumented immigrants like Gabriela, Carlos, and Brenda continue to live in a climate of fear, uncertainty, and hope for a future that remains unclear.
