Just days after taking office, President Donald Trump empowered immigration authorities to bypass legal procedures and swiftly deport undocumented migrants. As a result, workplace raids have been launched in several cities, including Chicago, Newark, and Atlanta.
Chicago quickly became a hotspot for these aggressive deportation measures. Reports indicate that federal agents, backed by multiple agencies, conducted extensive raids, targeting hundreds of undocumented individuals. This large-scale operation is among the most forceful under Trump’s administration, reinforcing his campaign pledge on immigration enforcement.
On an early Sunday morning, federal agents moved through Chicago neighborhoods, knocking on doors and demanding entry. In areas like Hermosa, they called out to residents, urging them to step outside. However, many immigrants, aware of their legal rights, refused to open their doors without warrants. Later that day, a 28-year-old Mexican man, who had previously been deported and had a criminal record, was arrested while returning home with tamales.
The growing fear has left many undocumented residents too afraid to leave their homes, concerned they could be detained at any moment. Social media platforms like TikTok have been flooded with videos of immigrants sharing their distress—some of whom had voted for Trump.
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 the outpouring of emotions, responses on Twitter were largely unsympathetic, with many saying that Trump voters should have expected this outcome.
Celebrities have also weighed in, voicing their outrage over the crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Actress and singer Selena Gomez, who has Latina roots, posted a heartbreaking video on Instagram. In tears, she expressed her sorrow over the situation, saying, “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.” Her video was later removed after facing backlash from Trump supporters.
Meanwhile, business owners who had supported Trump are beginning to realize the economic consequences of his policies. Tony DiMare, a tomato farmer operating in multiple states, expressed his growing concerns. “We need secure borders, but we also need a workforce. This will put immense pressure on farming and other industries that rely on immigrant labor,” he told The Financial Post.
City officials are also voicing opposition to the raids. Newark’s mayor, Ras Baraka, condemned an operation in his city, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of the Fourth Amendment. “They had no warrants,” he said during 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.”
