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Since the Trump administration took office on Jan. 20, 2025, they have made sweeping changes to immigration policies. The Trump Administration has fired at least 20 immigration judges, including 13 who were considered in “probationary status,” meaning they have been in their position for less than a year. This firing has slowed down the court system, which has delayed and worsened conditions for people already fighting for immigration rights. The individuals primarily affected by this situation are Latino immigrants, including undocumented immigrants, legal residents, U.S. citizens with Latino heritage (many who are children), and workers within the Latino community. Rampage spoke with Latino members of the larger Grayslake community, including individuals with varying legal status, about the impact of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. These sources are on deep background, and their identities will remain confidential to protect their privacy.
One source close to the story said “I do not know what to feel as I am for some of the things [from this administration] and against others. I’m torn. I would like to see some fairness to it, and not just a blanket that covers all Latinos. I would like to see less racism and discrimination all across, and not just in the Latino community.”
According to the Migration Policy Institute, it is estimated that there are between 13.7 and 14 million undocumented individuals in the United States as of Feb. 2025, and there are approximately 65 million Hispanic people that can possibly be impacted by Trump’s executive orders calling for mass deportation, according to The New York Times. Roughly 3% of the United States population will be directly affected by these policies. A source close to the story said “I believe some places have better political and community support than others. I think communities that have a high Latino population see more help and support versus communities with lower populations of Latinos. I believe that is due to the impact Latinos have on the communities and on the politicians personal experiences with Latinos and their beliefs as well.”
Mass deportation refers to the large-scale removal of immigrants from the United States. This process can involve raids conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), detentions, and the forced return of immigrants to their countries. It disrupts families, communities, and local economies. A source close to this story said “I feel that not addressing these issues would lead to huge economic issues, it would affect businesses due to not enough workers, it would raise prices, lots of produce would not be available or would rot, among other things.”
The issue of immigration, and more recently mass deportation, has been a hot topic in the United States for many years, but it has seen increased attention and action in recent years, due to the current presidential administration. According to WPTV of West Palm Beach, President Trump said he wants to prioritize deporting people with a criminal history, but his goal over the next four years is to deport anyone who is here without documentation. A source close to the story said “I feel a bit torn because I know there are some good people that are undocumented, but I do also believe that if you’ve committed any crimes or have warrants you should be deported.”
Mass deportation affects Latino communities across the United States, but has a huge impact in states with large immigrant populations, like California, New Jersey, New York, Florida, and Nevada. However, smaller communities and rural areas, like Grayslake and Lake County, are not immune to its effects. The impact of mass deportation on Latino communities is profound, leading to family separations, economic hardship, psychological trauma, and a sense of fear and instability within affected populations. A source close to this story said “I feel that it creates a type of trauma and it affects [immigrants] daily life. They might not go out of their home anymore and live in fear that if they step out of their home they will be caught and deported. That trauma is bigger for families with one income because now that person fears not only for their life and future, but for the one of their family as well.”
The Trump administration’s focus on undocumented immigrants goes beyond policy and legislation. Recently, an ASMR-style video posted by the White House Instagram account showed people being deported in chains. The video plays into the ASMR style, highlighting the sounds of chains, handcuffs, police ERO orders, and airplane engines. This video was very disturbing to many viewers, Hispanic or not. A source close to the story said “I have personally heard many people refer to myself and my people as rapists, criminals, and other cruel things. Although that might apply to some people, it doesn’t only apply to Latino immigrants at all.”
Mass deportation is affecting many local communities across the nation, in many ways. Many places have organized protests against mass deportation efforts. A source close to this story said “I’m not really sure that there is anything that can be done, besides try to be supportive and help with small things like picking up groceries or running errands for people. Join marches and protests, and keep it peaceful.” In Waukegan, IL, there was a mass protest on February 3, 2025.
