In his first days as president, Donald Trump gave immigration officials the power to bypass the court system and deport undocumented migrants swiftly. This directive led to a wave of workplace immigration raids in cities such as Chicago, Newark, and Atlanta.
Chicago quickly became a focal point for these mass deportation efforts. According to reports, federal agents, supported by multiple law enforcement agencies, carried out a sweeping operation targeting hundreds of undocumented immigrants. This marked one of the most aggressive enforcement actions under Trump, making it clear that he intended to keep his hardline campaign promises on immigration.
On Sunday morning, agents moved through Chicago neighborhoods, knocking on doors and calling for residents to come outside. In areas like Hermosa, many homes remained dark and silent, as immigrants, knowing their legal rights, refused to answer without a warrant. Later that day, a 28-year-old Mexican man with a previous deportation and a criminal record was arrested as he returned home carrying tamales.
The heightened fear has left many immigrants hesitant to leave their homes, worried that they could be detained at any moment. Social media platforms like TikTok have been flooded with emotional videos from undocumented individuals—including Trump supporters—who now fear for their futures.
One Latina woman tearfully posted, “I can’t believe we voted for Trump. We trusted him when he spoke to Latinos. Now people are scared to even go to work. We need to provide for our families. I hate that I supported him. Now I’m terrified for my family. We need to unite and do something.”
Despite her distress, many Twitter users were unsympathetic, saying she should have anticipated this outcome when she voted for Trump.
Celebrities have also expressed their dismay at the crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Latina actress and singer Selena Gomez shared a heartfelt video on Instagram, breaking down in tears as she spoke about the situation. “My people are being attacked—including children. I don’t understand. I’m so sorry. I wish I could help, but I feel powerless. I’ll do everything I can.” The video was later removed following a wave of criticism from Trump supporters.
Farmers and business owners who had previously supported Trump are also beginning to worry about how the deportations will affect their industries. Tony DiMare, a tomato farmer with operations in several states, voiced concerns about labor shortages. “We need secure borders, but we also need workers. This policy is going to put serious pressure on farming and other industries that depend on immigrant labor,” he told The Financial Post.
Public officials in affected cities have spoken out against the raids. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka called a recent raid unconstitutional, stating that it violated the Fourth Amendment. “They had no warrants,” he said at a press conference. “They detained undocumented individuals, but they also held citizens, including a military veteran who was questioned despite showing ID.”
Baraka emphasized that none of those arrested were criminals. He urged Americans to uphold the principles of the Constitution, saying, “Political disagreements aside, what makes this country different from others is our commitment to constitutional rights. We cannot allow this to continue unchecked.”
