An American citizen sparked controversy after calling the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office to report the presence of presumed undocumented immigrants in a Walmart store.
The incident occurred in the city of Richmond, Kentucky, when the man recorded himself asking ICE to detain the alleged immigrants, whom he calls by the same derogatory terms used by U.S. President Donald Trump.
“ We've been waiting for them to come for them. They are criminals. We need them out of here,” the man is heard saying in the recording, reported by the agency Efe.
The American, who carries in his hand a cap with the slogan Make America Great Again (MAGA) from Trump's presidential campaign, adds that he will help identify the supposed undocumented individuals. “They need to get the hell out,” he adds disdainfully.
In a context of tightening immigration policies, similar incidents have been reported where individuals have been detained for speaking Spanish or due to their physical appearance.
According to a report from El País, in Milwaukee, two Puerto Rican women and a child were arrested for speaking Spanish and were only released after verifying their U.S. citizenship.
Moreover, the recent immigration raids have led to the arrest of U.S. citizens and individuals with no criminal records, sparking criticism over a possible racial bias in the enforcement of these policies.
Also, videos have started circulating showing how in Walmart chain supermarkets the aisles are beginning to look empty, as Latinos fear deportations from Trump.
The administration of President Donald Trump has implemented a series of measures to intensify the deportations of undocumented immigrants in the United States.
One of the most notable actions is the expansion of ICE's powers to expedite the deportation of immigrants who entered the country under programs such as humanitarian parole and CBP One, affecting more than 1.46 million people who arrived legally since January 2023.
Additionally, it has been announced that the Guantanamo Naval Base will be used as a detention center for undocumented immigrants deemed dangerous. Plans are in place to set up up to 30,000 beds in this facility to house these individuals.
The administration has also emphasized the need to deport immigrants with criminal records and final deportation orders.
Nonetheless, it faces significant challenges due to the lack of cooperation from certain countries, such as Cuba and Venezuela, which refuse to accept their deported citizens.
To overcome these obstacles, the Trump administration is considering measures such as suspending visas for countries that do not cooperate with deportations and economic pressure through tariffs.
These policies have raised concerns among immigrant communities, particularly among those who entered the country legally under now-eliminated programs. Immigration lawyers advise those affected to seek legal counsel to explore options for regularization and avoid potential deportations.
Frequently Asked Questions about ICE Raids and Immigration Policy in the U.S.
Why did a U.S. citizen call ICE at a Walmart?
An American citizen called the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office to report the presence of alleged undocumented immigrants at a Walmart in Richmond, Kentucky. The man recorded himself asking for ICE's assistance and used derogatory terms, similar to those of President Donald Trump, to refer to the immigrants.
How have Trump's immigration policies affected immigrant communities?
Trump's immigration policies have created an atmosphere of fear among immigrant communities, resulting in incidents of arbitrary detentions and raids. People have been detained simply for speaking Spanish or because of their physical appearance. The government's rhetoric has reinforced the perception that all undocumented immigrants are criminals, which has generated a climate of insecurity and anxiety in these communities.
What is the economic impact of mass deportations in the U.S.?
Mass deportations have had a negative impact on several American industries that rely on immigrant labor, such as agriculture and healthcare. The absence of essential immigrant workers has decreased productivity and created labor shortages, which could lead to an economic slowdown and an increase in labor costs.
What rights do immigrants have in the U.S. regarding ICE detentions?
Immigrants in the U.S. have basic rights protected by the Constitution, regardless of their immigration status. They have the right to remain silent, to not sign documents without the presence of an attorney, and to not allow access to their home without a court order. These protections are essential to prevent arbitrary detentions and ensure fair treatment.
Why is ICE releasing some detained immigrants?
ICE has been forced to release some detained immigrants due to space limitations in detention centers and judicial restrictions that prohibit indefinite detention. These releases occur under monitoring programs, and the released immigrants are supervised to ensure their appearance in immigration hearings.
Filed under:
