2025 Immigration Enforcement Under Trump: Policies, Rights, and Community Support for Undocumented Immigrants
As of January 8, 2025, the United States has been experiencing a significant escalation in the deporting of undocumented citizens and immigration enforcement under new president Donald Trump's administration. The administration has initiated large-scale deportation operations targeting undocumented immigrants nationwide, fulfilling campaign promises to intensify 2025 immigration enforcement. Since Trump’s inauguration day of January 20, 2025, the now-President has signed 46 executive orders of which more than a handful of executive orders impact the lives and well-being of both U.S. born and undocumented Black and Brown citizens living in the United States.
Nationwide Developments For The Immigrant Community
The Passing of Bill - Laken Riley Act The GOP-led bill The Laken Riley Act is a U.S. federal law that mandates the detention of non-citizens who have been charged with or convicted of theft-related crimes, assaulting a police officer, or offenses resulting in death or serious bodily injury, such as those caused by driving under the influence. The legislation also empowers states to sue the federal government for perceived failures in enforcing immigration laws.
Named after Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student who was tragically killed by an undocumented immigrant in 2024, the Act was introduced in response to concerns about public safety and immigration enforcement. UPDATE: As of 1/29, the Laken Riley Act is now a federal law.
Increased Enforcement The administration has deployed additional resources to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to conduct widespread raids in various communities. These operations are occurring in both public and private spaces, including workplaces, schools, and places of worship, churches (more about this in policy changes below). UPDATE: As of 1/29, Trump plans to send up to 30,000 migrants to the Guantanamo Bay facility, a military prison.
Policy Changes The administration has rescinded previous policies that limited enforcement in "sensitive locations," leading to increased fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities. Sanctuary policies have been controversial in the past and hold grey areas in perception and effectiveness. The Trump administration lifted policies once meant to protect churches, schools and hospitals. These places are no longer off limits to ICE raids of undocumented migrants.
Program Changes: The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) which had overwhelming bipartisan support was halted by the Trump Administration. Last year 100,000 refugees were admitted by the selective program now face deportation.
Sanctuary Cities, Counties and States in the United States
According to the Center for Immigration Studies and their updated as of 1/7/2025 map.
Undocumented Individuals: Know Your Rights
It is crucial for undocumented individuals to be aware of their legal rights during encounters with ICE agents. Resources are available through local advocacy groups and legal aid organizations.A great tool to contribute and track ICE sightings in real time is Juntos Seguros.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the United States is a country of over 40 million immigrants. Many people both immigrants and those born and raised in the country are unaware of the rights that undocumented immigrants have in this nation. It’s time to educate yourself and spread the word if you are an advocate for those who don’t have a voice. Here we share the immigrant rights you need to know. Here are immigrant rights in Spanish.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that, according to the Constitution, undocumented immigrants have the right to “freedom of speech and religion, the right to be treated fairly, the right to privacy, and the other fundamental rights U.S. citizens enjoy. It is recommended that identification be carried with you at all times and for DACA recipients to carry work permits during this 2025 immigration enforcement.
Those facing deportation are entitled to reasonable notice of charges, reasonable notice of a hearing’s place and time, proof that grounds for deportation are valid, reasonable opportunity to examine the evidence, as well as the government’s witnesses, representation by a lawyer, a hearing before an immigration judge and review (most often in a federal court), and access to a competent interpreter.
If you are an undocumented immigrant and ICE officials knock on your door, you do not have to answer it. Agents may dress as civilians, show up with a piece of paper that is supposed to be a warrant but isn’t, or may even pretend to be searching for a sex offender all efforts to make you open the door. Keep your doors and gate closed at all times. If you do open the door, ICE agents do not have the right to enter your residence without a valid warrant.
You have the right to ask for a warrant, and to have the agents slide said warrant under the door. You do not need to open the door to receive the warrant. A warrant must have the correct information on it: name, address, date, and search parameters. It must also be signed by a judge in order for an ICE agent to be able to enter your home. An administrative warrant of removal from immigration authorities is not sufficient to gain entry to your residence.
If you come across an ICE agent, you do not have to talk to him or her. You have a right to be and live with your family. The right to live with one’s family is recognized as a fundamental human right by multiple international treaties and declarations, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Seek Legal Assistance: Don't take matters into your own hands in protest or resistance. You have the right to not sign anything until you speak to a lawyer. You might be signing your rights away without knowing it. You also don’t have to show any documents you have before speaking to a lawyer. Seek legal counsel to understand your situation and explore available options. Many organizations offer free or low-cost services to assist immigrants during this 2025 immigration enforcement.
Community Support: Most importantly, engage with local community groups that provide support, resources, and sanctuary to undocumented individuals and families. There are specific groups for refugees, protected services and more. One community group is NorCal Resist.
Spread the word: Share this guide with your community to ensure everyone knows their rights.
This article is updated as of 1/30/2025.