The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a message on social media urging citizens to assist in locating and apprehending undocumented migrants.
In its official account on the social network X, the Department of Homeland Security shared the number 866-347-2423, which corresponds to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as a direct line to report undocumented migrants.
The image accompanying the message shows the figure of Uncle Sam pointing forward, next to a sign that reads: “Report all illegal foreign invaders. Call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.”
The poster accompanying the publication also includes a message directed at the public: “Help your country… and yourself,” a phrase aimed at encouraging public collaboration in reporting migrants in irregular situations.
The measure highlights the intensification of the immigration policy driven by the Donald Trump administration, incorporating citizen reports as a direct tool in an aggressive campaign of detention and control of migrants.
Another example is that the DHS reported last Monday that it will eliminate the fines accumulated by thousands of undocumented migrants as long as they meet one condition: to self-deport using the CBP Home application, a technological tool designed to manage voluntary departure from the country.
"With a free flight, a stipend of $1,000, and the forgiveness of fines, illegal immigrants have no excuse to stay in the United States," the DHS stated in an official announcement issued on June 9.
Moreover, the Supreme Court of the United States authorized last May the administration of Donald Trump to revoke the humanitarian parole granted to over 500,000 migrants from Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Haiti, in a decision that could trigger the mass expulsion of hundreds of thousands of people currently holding temporary legal status in the country.
With a brief but impactful order, the court accepted an emergency request from Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, to immediately terminate the program established by Joe Biden in 2022, which allowed migrants from those four countries to enter the United States under certain conditions, live legally, and work for two years.
One day later, Trump celebrated the news and sparked controversy again by posting a photo of dozens of planes taking off on his verified Instagram account, accompanied by the message: “LET THE DEPORTATIONS BEGIN!” (“Let the deportations begin!”).
Frequently Asked Questions about the U.S. Immigration Policy under the Administration of Donald Trump
What is the purpose of the phone number 866-347-2423 published by the DHS?
The phone number 866-347-2423, published by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is a hotline for citizens to report undocumented migrants to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This measure is part of a more aggressive policy by the Donald Trump administration to locate and arrest immigrants in an irregular situation in the United States.
What does the participation of the National Guard in immigration operations in the U.S. imply?
The DHS has requested the deployment of 20,000 National Guard members to support immigration raid operations within the country. This represents a significant increase in military presence in civilian contexts and aims to strengthen the enforcement of immigration laws under the Trump administration. However, the measure has raised concerns about the potential militarization of immigration policies and tensions with state governments that may oppose it.
What is the incentivized self-deportation program and how does it work?
The "incentivized self-deportation" program offers $1,000 and a plane ticket to immigrants who choose to voluntarily leave the United States. This initiative aims to reduce deportation costs and improve public perception of the immigration system. Those who do not opt for self-deportation face fines, imprisonment, and forced deportation.
How does the collaboration between the IRS and ICE affect immigrants in the U.S.?
A court decision allows the IRS to share tax information with ICE to locate undocumented immigrants. This could dissuade immigrants from meeting their tax obligations for fear of being identified and deported. The measure has been criticized by immigrant rights advocates, who argue that it undermines trust in government institutions.
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