Trump’s immigration crackdown ripples throughout the US

Immigration has all the time been the lifeblood of America, serving to to create a singular melting pot of tradition and historical past. Nevertheless, the battle over who belongs, and who doesn’t, is as outdated because the nation itself.

Since his inauguration final month, President Donald Trump has been testing the boundaries of his energy by way of a flurry of govt orders. He is working to ship on his marketing campaign promise to crack down on immigration by focusing on areas like birthright citizenship and refugee standing.

Deportations are ramping up, whilst border crossings are down. The administration goes as far as to make use of Guantanamo Bay — the army base in Cuba — to accommodate the inflow of arrested migrants.

ABC Information is on the bottom, throughout the nation — reporting on sweeping immigration modifications. Watch “Immigration Crackdown” tonight on a particular version of “Nightline.”

Correspondents from ABC Information deployed throughout the nation to see what affect the Trump administration’s crackdown is having throughout America.

Denver, Colorado

Final Wednesday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids started in an condominium constructing within the early morning hours. Working with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and FBI brokers, they knocked on doorways, stopped automobiles and took a number of folks into custody.

It was simply one in all a number of immigration enforcement operations taking place all through the Denver space that day.

Legislation enforcement stated publicly that they have been focusing on essentially the most harmful undocumented people. Nevertheless, folks ABC Information spoke with stated brokers went door to door, questioning residents at each unit — greater than 100 in complete — demanding identification and asking if medication have been inside.

Whereas large-scale operations like this could web arrests, residents stated going door to door created unreasonable panic and worry for everybody concerned.

Two federal regulation enforcement sources advised ABC Information that the operation yielded the arrest of only one alleged gang member. The sources stated 29 folks have been additionally detained.

The southern border in Texas

The enforcement actions have additionally created stress within the communities surrounding U.S. ports of entry alongside the southern border, particularly in Texas. These ports are the financial lifeblood of their areas, each by water and by land, however they’re additionally the place Border Patrol is targeted on stopping the circulation of each migrants and unlawful medication.

On the port of entry in McAllen, greater than 700,000 vans of cargo — value greater than $50 billion — are scanned yearly. Border Patrol took ABC Information inside its warehouse, the place they examine all that cargo — stacks of vacuums, automotive elements and produce, in search of unlawful shipments or medication.

Director Carlos Rodriguez highlighted the necessity for added funding to pay for extra manpower and improved expertise.

“Simply final night time we had a cargo of jalapenos and cucumbers on the port of entry — it’s over 2,000 kilos of methamphetamine and heroin,” he advised ABC Information.

Central Valley, California

The thought of slicing off all unlawful crossings is well-liked with some Individuals, however different teams urge a cautious strategy on implementing the regulation in opposition to teams of undocumented staff who’re already right here. In California, roughly half of all farm staff are undocumented immigrants.

At a dairy farm in Tulare County, farmer Peter de Jong advised ABC Information he helps Trump’s immigration crackdown. He stated he is looking forward to systemic reforms as a result of his farm depends closely on migrant labor and he want to see a pathway to maintain them right here on this nation legally.

“We’ve inspired them to use for inexperienced playing cards and undergo the method, but it surely’s a really gradual course of,” de Jong stated. “It is costly, too.”

Chicago, Illinois

The battle over immigration has additionally spilled into federal and state courtrooms, with the Trump administration submitting swimsuit in opposition to town of Chicago and state of Illinois, accusing them of obstructing federal immigration coverage. Illinois denies this accusation.

Chicago is a sanctuary metropolis, which implies that it largely doesn’t disclose immigration standing to authorities or deny providers if a resident is undocumented.

Some residents advised ABC Information they’re feeling the affect of the Trump administration’s crackdown. On town’s north aspect, many migrants collect close to a busy buying space to search for work every day.

One man from Colombia stated he has been within the U.S. for a yr and a half, and appears for no matter work is obtainable so he can help his household.

“Lots of people drive by and take a look at me like I’m a canine, like I’m a derelict of society,” he advised ABC Information.

Passaic, New Jersey

Over the weekend, lots of took to the streets of this immigrant-rich group to protest latest ICE raids and arrests, whereas additionally demanding statewide protections for immigrants. Organizers additionally handed out pamphlets in order that they know their rights in the event that they’re approached by ICE.

“I believe there’s politicians who wish to feed folks’s anger about their particular person conditions — and they also wish to increase up some type of opponent — somebody for everybody to hate,” protester and journalist Charlie Bagli advised ABC Information.

“And they also put loads of hate into immigrants. Most of them are working their asses off and sending half their paycheck again residence.”