Over 14,000 Tacomans arent U.S. citizens. Who is vulnerable to deportation under Trump?
The article addresses the precarious situation of over 14,000 Tacomans lacking U. S. citizenship amidst the impending changes in immigration policy under President-elect Donald Trump. His administration plans to prioritize deportations of undocumented immigrants, particularly those with criminal backgrounds, prompting local advocacy groups to mobilize. Brenda Rodríguez López from the Washington Immigration Solidarity Network (WAISN) notes that detentions often occur without specific backgrounds, emphasizing the randomness of enforcement actions.
The article reports a significant rise in deportations, with over 271,000 unauthorized immigrants removed in fiscal year 2024, and highlights the increasing daily average of detainees at the Northwest ICE Processing Center. In response to these developments, WAISN has enhanced its services, offering a hotline for reporting ICE activities and conducting "know your rights" training for the community. The emotional impact of these policies is captured in the personal narrative of Rodríguez López, who emphasizes the need for families to prepare for worst-case scenarios. Additionally, the article features insights from Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest, illustrating the organization's commitment to supporting detainees and their families. The article concludes by reinforcing the necessity for community solidarity and action during this turbulent time for immigrants in Tacoma.