Following his campaign promise of coordinating mass deportations of undocumented immigrants residing in the United States, President Trump’s nationwide immigration crackdown has led to the arrest of 956 individuals, many of which have resulted in eventual deportations. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have reportedly capitalized on the lack of human rights awareness present among their targets, entering homes without a warrant or expecting people to waive their right to remain silent.
“Florida has also been seeing an exponential increase in ICE raids,” Jenny Zhao (12), student at East Ridge High School of Central Florida, said. “It is very scary to know that so many innocent immigrants are being affected like this. It is clearly unconstitutional and should not be happening.”
ICE’s 25 field offices were told in a meeting with senior leadership over the weekend to enhance their “routine operations” by meeting a quota of between 1,200 to 1,500 arrests per day. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated on X, “We are doing this right—doing exactly what President. @realDonaldTrump promised the American people—making our streets safe.”
Many have gone to social media to advocate for the rights of immigrants, arguing that this is an inhumane and ignorant movement. ICE agents have been raiding homes, workplaces, or even general public spaces.
“I have been seeing so many TikToks regarding the ICE raids,” Sophia Lim (12), Helping North Korean Refugees (HNKR) President, said. “It is touching to see how people are making an effort to help each other out and safeguard their communities. There are also lots of videos detailing legal rights, and I think this must be super useful for immigrants to prepare just in case ICE agents find them.”
Social media feeds are now filled with safety measures to educate immigrants on their rights.
ICE needs a judicial warrant that is signed by a judge to enter anyone’s house. Individuals are not obligated to open the door if someone knocks at their door, even if they suspect them to be an immigration officer. Furthermore, individuals can plead the Fifth and exercise their right to remain silent.
Despite mounting criticism, ICE agents continue their large-scale raids across major US cities, leaving thousands of immigrant communities in a state of fear and uncertainty. Reports have surfaced detailing instances where agents have conducted aggressive operations, separating families and detaining individuals without providing clear legal justification.
The ongoing crackdown has led to widespread disruptions in immigrant communities, with families afraid to leave their homes, children hesitant to attend school, and workers avoiding their jobs for fear of workplace raids. Civil rights organizations have condemned the escalated operations, stating that they instill fear rather than ensure safety.
Legal advocacy groups have begun filing lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security, arguing that ICE’s tactics violate constitutional rights, particularly the Fourth and Fifth Amendments. Some states with sanctuary city policies have pledged to resist federal enforcement efforts, providing legal support and resources for those targeted.
Additionally, videos of community members standing up to ICE officers—demanding warrants, refusing to open doors, and asserting their legal rights—have gained traction online, further fueling the national debate. Social justice organizations have launched “Know Your Rights” campaigns, urging immigrants to remain vigilant and informed.
The Biden administration and Democratic lawmakers have sharply criticized Trump’s mass deportation strategy, calling it a return to “inhumane and unconstitutional policies.” On Capitol Hill, progressive legislators have introduced measures seeking to limit ICE’s authority, while conservative leaders defend the enforcement actions as necessary for national security.
As the situation unfolds, advocacy groups warn that this could be just the beginning of a more aggressive immigration enforcement era, raising concerns among international students seeking to study in the US. While the crackdown particularly targets undocumented immigrants, the heightened anti-immigrant sentiment and stricter visa policies may create additional challenges for foreign students applying for or maintaining their student visas.
“One of my teachers mentioned that he heard students being stopped by the ICE on the streets, which sounds pretty crazy, but it has become our reality,” Angela Zhao (12), New York City resident, said. “He even provided a link to a guide to help students understand their rights and safety protocols in case we encounter an ICE agent in NYC. I honestly, didn’t expect New York City to be so heavily affected by the immigration crackdown right away. Usually, many changes would be introduced gradually, but this time, it seems that the enforcement is immediately going into full effect.”
