What challenges could immigrant-heavy communities face under a second Trump presidency?

The potential impacts on immigrant-dense areas remain uncertain, but California, home to the largest population of undocumented immigrants in the U.S., could be significantly affected. In 2021, approximately 6 million Californians were undocumented or lived in households with undocumented family members. Southern California alone had nearly 3 million such residents, with 1.9 million in Los Angeles County, according to the California Immigrant Data Portal.

President-elect Trump has proposed an extensive deportation campaign, prioritizing individuals with criminal records, and has appointed officials with strict stances on immigration to key positions. However, logistical challenges and legal protections, such as immigrants’ right to due process, may complicate these plans. Executive actions are possible but limited by existing laws and constitutional constraints.

Local governments in California have begun measures to resist federal immigration enforcement. State law restricts local law enforcement from participating in immigration activities, and cities like Los Angeles are exploring initiatives to prevent the use of local resources for such purposes. Law enforcement agencies in counties like San Bernardino and Orange also emphasize their focus on public safety rather than immigration enforcement.

Immigrant rights groups and local officials are preparing for potential challenges. Organizations like TODEC are holding “know your rights” workshops and helping families create plans to minimize the impact of possible deportations, such as securing caregiver affidavits for children. TODEC also operates a 24/7 helpline to provide emergency assistance to vulnerable populations.

At the federal level, passing new protections for immigrants appears unlikely under the current political landscape. Republican control of the House, though slim, makes bipartisan support for immigration reforms, including protections for DACA recipients, challenging.

The situation has reignited debates about immigration policies in the U.S. Advocates for immigrant communities stress the importance of readiness while recalling past restrictive measures, like Operation Wetback and Trump’s executive orders targeting immigration during his first term. Despite fears and uncertainty, these groups continue to provide legal, educational, and financial support to those at risk.