As ICE raids loom, many migrants in New York are leaving shelters to avoid deportation, fearing for their safety and future.
Rafael, another migrant, shared that fear is spreading through the shelter. He mentioned that some people have already started leaving because they’re scared. Just a few weeks ago, ICE showed up with an arrest warrant for someone living there, which really shook everyone up.
With Trump back in office, he’s promised mass deportations, and his new border czar, Tom Homan, is ready to act. Homan has pointed out cities like New York and Chicago as top targets for these raids. He’s made it clear that ICE will be out there doing their job soon.
The thought of raids has many migrants on edge. Limame Gueye, 29, expressed concern that ICE might come in and take people straight from the shelters. Kevin Llena, a Colombian national, has been waiting for a work permit for a year and is now worried it might never come.
Rafael believes that Trump won’t deport those who are just trying to work and support their families. But for others, like Francis, it’s all about leaving things in God’s hands.
City officials noted that the number of migrants in shelters has dropped from over 65,000 to under 51,000. They’re also closing larger facilities, but the situation remains tense, especially with gangs causing trouble in the shelters.
