US immigration policy - Fear is increasing among immigrants

In the USA, the immigration police ICE is conducting raids against “illegals”. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem wants to “make America safe again”.

Feb 2, 2025 - 08:44

US immigration policy - Fear is increasing among immigrants

The plans of the new US President Trump to take tough action against illegal immigrants have already had an effect. As the immigration police ICE announced, between Thursday and Saturday alone more than 1,400 foreigners were arrested and hundreds of applications for deportation were submitted.

"When we see the crime rate of illegal immigrants go down, that's a success. Any public safety threat that's removed from this country is a success. Any national security threat that we find and remove from the country is a success," Tom Homan, Trump's new man for border protection , said in an interview with ABC News .

According to government sources, the raids and arrests carried out by ICE agents were primarily aimed at immigrants with criminal records , including suspected rapists and gang members. The raids are said to be a first taste of the mass deportation announced by Trump.

According to the US government, there are around 11 million people in the country without valid residency permits. Republicans are convinced that the number is actually higher. The US president blames illegal immigration for problems such as rising crime and high rents.

Kristi Noem , who was confirmed as the new Secretary of Homeland Security by the US Senate on Saturday, wants to put Trump's plans into action. "I will work to make America safe again," she wrote in a post after her confirmation. The Department of Homeland Security also covers border protection and immigration.

Noem, who has been a loyal supporter of Trump for years, has made a name for herself over the past six years as governor of the state of South Dakota. In particular, her decision not to impose curfews or mask requirements during the height of the coronavirus pandemic made her popular among conservative voters.

The developments have created uncertainty among immigrants, which has also contributed to the spread of misinformation. Politicians and other officials, especially in Democratic-run states and cities, have announced that they will take action against what they consider to be illegal raids and arrests.