The Fear of Routine Immigration Check-Ins: A Growing Concern for Immigrants in the U.S.
The routine immigration check-in, once a mundane and predictable part of life for many immigrants in the U.S., has become a source of deep anxiety and fear under the Trump administration. For Jhojan, a young Colombian man, this fear turned into a nightmare when his fiancé, Felipe, was detained and deported during a routine appointment with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Despite having no clear explanation for Felipe’s detention, Jhojan was so shaken that he skipped his own check-in a month later, fearing the same fate. This story is not unique. Many immigrants like Jhojan are now living in a state of constant dread, unsure whether their next appointment will lead to detention or deportation. The once-trusted system of check-ins has become a tool of fear and control, leaving many wondering if they are safe even when following the rules.
A Climate of Fear and Anxiety in Immigrant Communities
The fear gripping immigrant communities is palpable. Routine check-ins, which were previously seen as a way for ICE to monitor individuals while they pursued asylum or other immigration cases, have now become a source of terror. Immigrants are caught in a Catch-22: if they show up for their appointments, they risk being detained and deported, but if they fail to appear, they face immediate deportation orders. This sense of helplessness is exacerbated by the lack of transparency from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, which have not provided clear information about how many people have been detained at check-ins or under what circumstances. For immigrants, the uncertainty is crippling. As Jhojan told the Associated Press, “If you show up, they’ll deport you. If you don’t, they’ll deport you, too.”
The U.S. Government’s Hardline Stance on Immigration
The Trump administration has made it clear that its priority is to deport anyone in the U.S. without legal status, marking a sharp departure from the policies of President Joe Biden, who focused on deporting only those deemed threats to public safety or national security. Since Trump took office, ICE has arrested 32,809 people, with nearly 47,600 currently in detention—the highest number in four years. This surge in arrests and detentions reflects a broader shift in immigration enforcement, with more people being detained inside the U.S. than at its borders. The administration’s aggressive approach has left immigrant communities on edge, with many feeling that they are being targeted indiscriminately.
The Role of ICE and the Reasons Behind Detentions
ICE officials have offered little insight into why certain individuals are being detained during check-ins, leaving immigrants and their advocates in the dark. While the agency has not provided official statistics or explanations, attorneys and advocates report that some asylum-seekers, including those with no criminal records and strong cases for remaining in the U.S., have been detained. For example, an immigrant from Ecuador who had been released after expressing a reasonable fear of persecution was detained at his first check-in, despite having no criminal history. His attorney, Rosa Barreca, was told that the detention was based on executive orders but received no further details. Such cases suggest that the criteria for detention have broadened, with even those who appear to qualify for asylum being targeted.
Immigrants and Advocates Prepare for the Worst
In response to the growing uncertainty, immigrants and their advocates are taking steps to prepare for the possibility of detention at check-ins. Lawyers are advising clients not to skip appointments, as this would result in automatic deportation orders, but they are urging immigrants to be vigilant and prepared. This includes noting any sudden changes in how check-ins are conducted, such as a shift from virtual to in-person meetings, and making emergency arrangements for child care and other responsibilities. Advocates are also encouraging immigrants to attend appointments with an attorney or trusted companion and to share their ICE identification numbers and case details with friends and family. Additionally, some are reviving tactics from the first Trump administration, such as organizing “protective accompaniment” vigils, where supporters escort immigrants to their appointments and wait outside to offer solidarity and support.
The Broader Impact on Immigrant Communities
The climate of fear created by these check-ins is having a ripple effect on immigrant communities, undermining trust in the system and creating a sense of isolation and vulnerability. For many, the routine act of reporting to ICE now feels like a gamble with their future. As one advocate noted, when people feel unsafe attending their appointments, it undermines the system’s legitimacy and sets everyone up for failure. The presence of supporters at check-ins, holding signs and offering hugs, is a small but powerful reminder of the resilience and solidarity within these communities. However, the broader tension between enforcement and the desire for fairness and justice remains unresolved, leaving immigrants and their advocates bracing for what comes next.
