Following President Donald Trump’s strict immigration agenda, widespread uncertainty has surrounded many immigrant communities across the country, including those in south Florida. 

Under Trump’s policy, he has issued 10 executive orders and proclamations seeking to change immigration law in the U.S.. Currently, Trump has vowed to end birthright citizenship, increase the military presence at the U.S.-Mexico border, suspend the entry of all undocumented migrants to the U.S. and more. Furthermore, the Trump administration has plans to expand detention centers in Guantanamo Bay. 

These raids can occur anywhere, from the side of the street to schools and churches. In South Florida, ICE raids have deported anyone without legal documentation, with the administration specifically targeting criminal offenders.

ICE agents have been seen across Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, with protestors being   seen statewide across Vero Beach and Tallahassee, holding signs and chanting “Stop the hate.”

Trump’s administration marks the harsh shift from former President Joe Biden’s immigration policy. The Biden administration reversed the Remain in Mexico program which requires migrants to stay in Mexico as they await their U.S. immigration court date. Trump has since vowed to bring it back.

Countries have protested this policy back, as demonstrated by Mexico, in which the government denied a U.S. military aircraft deporting migrants in late January. 

If approached by ICE agents, one should know their legal rights. These include the right to deny any ICE agent access into their home without a warrant, the right to remain silent and more to help protect themselves from unlawful detainment.

While the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has yet to release specific arrest numbers regarding the South Florida community, the raids have no set end date.