Donald Trump‘s victory in the United States represented a daily shock for migrants. The current president-elect promised during the election campaign that he would carry out mass deportations and in recent weeks, as he assembled his team and outlined his plan, his target will also include families with children born in the country.
Simultaneously occurring, the border between Mexico and the United States has been guarded by civilians for decades. An examination by the Spanish newspaper El País warns that the militias offered their support to Donald Trump to carry out mass deportations.
The men do not belong to a military force or the Border Police, but are armed as they are. Those who make up these militias that guard the southern border range from veterans to supporters of the Qanon conspiracy theories, all united by a right-wing ideology with the idea of protecting the “integrity” of the United States from an alleged invasion of migrants .
Simultaneously occurring, Joe Biden’s government has continued to toughen its deportation and anti-migrant policies, easing the transition to Donald Trump on the issue.
In an interview with Fox news, border czar Tom Homan called them “good patriots” and noted that thousands of them, including retired agents, wont to go and volunteer to help the president “secure the border.”
Over the years, some militia members have been prosecuted for killing migrants or detaining them while pointing guns at them.
But in online forums and interviews everything indicates that they hope to gain more power and legitimacy to carry out their actions against migrants.
They propose to offer a thousand dollars for each migrant
Just a week ago, legislator David Gregory of the state of Missouri in the United States proposed a law to establish a reward program for turning over migrants without legal status. This would provide an incentive to identify and arrest people believed to be in the state illegally.
In exchange,they would receive $1,000 for each immigrant detained without legal status.
Experts consulted by the English newspaper The Daily Mail warned that it would be a scenario similar to Nazi Germany, where someone would be asked for documents everywhere.
How can local communities best support migrants facing heightened enforcement under new immigration laws?
Interview with Migration Expert Dr. Maria Gonzalez on Recent Developments in U.S. Immigration Policy
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Gonzalez. With Donald Trump’s recent electoral victory and the promises he’s made for mass deportations, what immediate impact do you foresee for migrant communities in the United States?
Dr. Maria Gonzalez: Thank you for having me. Trump’s victory has certainly created a climate of fear among migrants. His plans to target families, including those with children born in the U.S., have raised serious concerns. These actions suggest a potential escalation in immigration enforcement that will deeply affect families and the fabric of communities across the country.
Time.news Editor: alongside this, we’ve seen civilians patrolling the U.S.-Mexico border. Can you explain the significance of these militias and their involvement?
Dr. Maria Gonzalez: Absolutely. These militias, consisting of individuals ranging from military veterans to qanon supporters, have taken it upon themselves to guard the border. While they aren’t official military or Border Patrol forces, their presence and activities raise notable legal and ethical questions. Their support for mass deportations aligns with Trump’s agenda, and this could lead to an environment where violence and intimidation against migrants become more normalized.
Time.news Editor: The situation seems to be exacerbated by some statements from goverment officials, such as Tom Homan referring to these militias as “good patriots.” What does this imply for the normalization of such groups?
Dr. Maria Gonzalez: Homan’s comments send a dangerous signal that could lend legitimacy to these militia groups. by framing them as patriots, it encourages more individuals to join and take part in potentially illegal activities against migrants. This pattern can create a kind of vigilante culture at the border that undermines law enforcement and legal immigration processes.
Time.news Editor: We’ve also seen recent legislative proposals like the one from Missouri’s David Gregory offering monetary rewards for reporting undocumented migrants. How does this resemble past precedents, and what are the implications for migrant communities?
Dr.Maria Gonzalez: This proposal echoes some of the darkest chapters in history,akin to the practices seen in Nazi Germany,where individuals were incentivized to report on others. Offering rewards for detaining migrants not only fosters an environment of distrust but also incentivizes harmful actions. It could lead to racial profiling and further victimization of vulnerable communities,creating a chilling atmosphere where people live in constant fear of being reported.
time.news Editor: Given these developments, what practical advice would you give to migrants and communities affected by these changes?
Dr. Maria Gonzalez: First and foremost,it’s essential for migrants to be informed about their rights. They should seek legal assistance whenever possible and stay connected with local advocacy groups that can provide support. Community solidarity is crucial—creating networks where individuals can look out for one another can help mitigate risks. Educating communities about their rights and emerging policies is vital to empowering individuals in facing potential deportation fears and hostility.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Gonzalez, for sharing your insights on these pressing issues. The implications of these developments are significant, and your expertise helps bring clarity to the situation.
Dr. Maria Gonzalez: thank you for the opportunity to discuss these critical matters. it’s significant that we continue to raise awareness and advocate for humane policies regarding migration.
