Migrant families and advocacy groups are preparing for potential separation of millions of families due to mass deportations planned by President-elect Donald Trump. Estimates suggest that up to 4 million mixed-status families, where some members are undocumented, could be affected. Families are making emergency plans, such as obtaining passports and power of attorney. Advocacy groups are assisting families in creating emergency packets containing key documents in case of separation.
Trump has promised the largest mass deportation effort in U.S. history, focusing initially on criminal noncitizens. Plans for family detention and building more detention facilities in nonborder cities are being considered. In Arizona, the Coalición de Derechos Humanos is helping families prepare for potential deportations by creating emergency packets. The community interest in such services has increased since Trump’s victory.
State-level changes could result in increased deportations, with laws like Proposition 314 making it a state crime to enter Arizona illegally and allowing local enforcement to arrest noncitizens. Some sheriffs have expressed concerns about enforcement and lack of training. In Denver, a nonprofit is assisting migrants, many of whom are unsure about their future due to the possibility of separation. Children are also expressing fear and anxiety about the potential impact of the deportations on their families and friends. Organizations and communities are working together to support and prepare for the potential consequences of mass deportations.
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