Waiting for the Immigration Raids, Again

Key takeaways

The fear of deportation significantly impacts the lives of undocumented immigrants, leading them to take extreme precautions.
The election of Joe Biden brought a temporary sense of relief for immigrants like Herminia, allowing for newfound freedoms during his presidency.
Public sentiment toward immigration can shift rapidly, leading to increased anxiety among immigrant communities.
The possibility of Trump’s return to power creates significant unrest and fear for individuals living with deportation orders.
Familial bonds and aspirations play a crucial role in guiding the decisions of undocumented immigrants regarding their future.

Summary

The Immense Fear of Deportation

The episode centers around Herminia, an undocumented immigrant from Nicaragua, who shares her harrowing experience of living in fear of deportation. After unsuccessfully applying for asylum, Herminia describes her life under a constant threat of immigration raids, particularly during Trump's presidency, when nationwide raids were implemented. She recounts the heightened anxiety felt by her family and the measures they took—including not answering the door and keeping windows closed—to evade detection.

A Glimmer of Hope with Biden's Presidency

When Biden won the presidential election, Herminia experienced a sense of relief and hope. She removed the signs from her windows urging people not to open the door and began to engage more openly with the community. With Biden's promise of a more humane immigration approach compared to Trump, she felt empowered enough to travel and take actions that she had avoided during the previous administration.

Changing Dynamics in Immigration Perspectives

As Biden's presidency continued, Herminia observed a shift in American public sentiment toward immigrants. Polls showed growing dissatisfaction with Biden’s handling of immigration, and many undocumented immigrants, including Herminia, sensed a backlash against migrants as crossings surged. This complicated Herminia’s feelings about her safety and the community's sentiment toward immigrants.

The Looming Threat of a Second Trump Term

The conversation turns to the potential for Trump to regain presidency and the implications it would have for people like herminia. With Trump advocating for mass deportations, Herminia discusses the anxiety and preparations her family is making in anticipation of a potential crackdown. Despite their fears, Herminia emphasizes the importance of family and how her daughters are responding to the threats of deportation.

Navigating Daily Life Under Threat

Living with a deportation order, Herminia contemplates whether to stay in the U.S. or leave for Nicaragua. She describes how her family's life has become circumscribed, with daily activities limited to work and home due to the fear of raids. Despite the dangers, her love for her daughters and their future in the U.S. keeps her anchored in a country she loves.

Show notes

Five years ago, we interviewed a woman who asked that we call her Herminia. It was the summer of 2019, just as former President Donald J. Trump — then in his first term — ordered nationwide raids to round up and deport undocumented immigrants. Herminia feared she was on the list.

In the end, she was never arrested. A few days ago, we called Herminia back. We asked what has happened to her since Trump left office, and how she is preparing for a second Trump term — in which he has pledged to put the deportation of people like her at the center of his presidency.

Guests: Herminia, an undocumented immigrant who has been living in the United States with her husband and children for more than two decades. (Herminia is not her real name.)

Background reading:

We first spoke to Herminia in 2019. Listen to that interview.
Here’s what we know about the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Across the U.S., there has been widespread anxiety about Trump’s promises to deport immigrants. Some schools are readying educators and immigrant families for a potential wave of deportations.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

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