Increase in Immigration Enforcement: A Shift In American Life
President Trump’s executive orders aim to intensify immigration enforcement, raising fears of raids and increasing produce prices nationwide.
Newly re-elected President Donald Trump returned to office on January 20th, signing numerous executive orders immediately after coming into office. One of these executive orders rescinded a previous policy forbidding the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) from searching “sensitive areas”, including schools, churches, hospitals, funerals, and public demonstrations. This executive order is one of many aimed at increasing immigration enforcement, as promised by President Trump while campaigning for president. His actions will significantly change life in America going forward.
Schools Respond to Changes in Policy
Around the nation, schools and school districts have prepared for potential raids. Sacramento City Unified School District released a statement regarding potential raids on January 24th. The district officials say “Since 2017, SCUSD has proudly called itself a Safe Haven School District – a title that reflects our unwavering commitment to the education and well-being of all students…”. Additionally, the district put to rest fears of unannounced raids at its 81 schools, stating, “Let us be clear. Immigration enforcement is not allowed on our campuses unless a valid court order is presented”. The district also held a press conference reaffirming its Safe Haven School District status, promising safety for all students regardless of immigration status, gender identity, ethnicity, race, religion, ability, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.
Increased Prices of Produce
Some people may believe that they are not affected by an increase in immigration enforcement, however, there is a high chance they could be significantly affected. While only 3.3% of immigrants lack documentation, the effects of mass deportations could affect American citizens across the country. According to USDA, between 2020-2022, 42 percent of agricultural workers lacked work authorization, with the majority of these workers being in California. However, according to statistics collected by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), California produces over one-third of all vegetables and three-quarters of all fruits and nuts in the country. A decrease in California agricultural workers due to immigration enforcement may lead to increased produce prices across the nation. This is coupled with President Trump’s tariffs imposed on Saturday, imposing a 25% tariff on all imported goods from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on all Chinese goods. In 2020, USDA reported that 77 percent of all fresh vegetable imports come from Mexico, and 11 percent are from Canada. Both immigration policy changes and tariffs will significantly increase the price of food. In simple terms, fresh fruits and vegetables will get even more expensive than they already are.
President Trump’s recent actions can affect everyone regardless of immigration status. People across the country are now fearful of ICE raids on schools and other previously safe spaces, adding to fear across immigrant communities. As a community here in Sacramento and West Campus, we can come together in support of our immigrant communities. According to the Migration Policy Institute, Sacramento County has approximately 63,000 unauthorized individuals, mainly from Mexico, India, the Philippines, and China. Many students here could have a family member or friend affected by these policies, and together we need to speak out against mass deportations. Remember, this country was built by immigrants trying to find new opportunities in a new land away from home.
