Undocumented immigrants in New York City are grappling with heightened fear and uncertainty following Trump’s return to the presidency. Pastor Lea Matthews leads aid initiatives providing essential supplies and legal advice to families facing the threat of immigration raids. The atmosphere has intensified, prompting many to avoid daily activities like school and grocery shopping. With increased ICE operations and the introduction of more stringent policies, the challenges for these immigrants continue to mount, leaving them in a state of anxiety and vulnerability.
Challenges Faced by Immigrants in New York
In New York City, an estimated half a million undocumented immigrants have found a home. Until recently, many felt a sense of security in the vibrant metropolis. However, since Trump’s return to the presidency, an atmosphere of fear has begun to permeate their lives. Pastor Lea Matthews resonates with this sentiment.
Standing outside her church on the Upper West Side, Pastor Matthews expresses heartfelt gratitude for the community’s support. “Today marks our first aid initiative since Trump’s inauguration, and we were uncertain if people would attend or if fear would keep them away,” she shares.
During these weekly aid events at St. Paul and St. Andrew Church, undocumented immigrants receive essential supplies. Among them is Manuel, a recent arrival from Nicaragua, who has been living in New York with his family for just two months without proper documentation. “They provide us with clothes and sometimes shoes, but we still lack stable employment,” he explains.
This event saw participation from 124 families, a significant increase compared to previous weeks. The looming threat of immigration raids has left many on edge. “With all that’s happening under President Trump, we’re filled with anxiety and uncertainty. We pray that good migrants find jobs here,” Manuel expresses.
Preparing for the Unexpected
Many families attending these events seek legal advice, prompting the presence of attorneys at Matthews’ aid initiatives. The team is well-versed in informing families about their rights and providing practical guidance.
The introduction of the ‘Laken Riley Act’ signals a potential shift towards more stringent immigration policies by the U.S. government.
Since Trump’s administration began, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ramped up its operations. In their pursuit of criminal undocumented individuals, they have begun to detain anyone they encounter.
Tom Homan, a border protection officer appointed by Trump, defends this strategy, stating, “When we identify a criminal, they are often accompanied by others. Even if those individuals haven’t committed any offenses, their undocumented status will lead to their arrest, as we are enforcing immigration laws.”
Many undocumented immigrants in New York have been striving for years to secure residency. Hector Arguinzones, a Venezuelan, spent nearly a decade seeking recognition as a refugee. Now, he shares his journey with others and frequently assists at Pastor Matthews’ aid events.
Arguinzones has never witnessed such palpable tension among immigrants. “For the first time, people are so frightened they avoid taking their children to school or venturing out for groceries,” he observes.
Uncertain Times Ahead
Matthews and her team are committed to making their church a sanctuary for migrants, but even that feels precarious now. Last week, Trump directed officials to target undocumented migrants in sensitive locations like churches and schools—an action previously avoided for over a decade.
How would Matthews respond if authorities arrived at her church? It’s a question that occupies her thoughts daily. She has saved the contact information of seven lawyers in her phone’s speed dial, preparing for any eventuality. “It’s challenging,” Matthews admits. The legal landscape is shifting rapidly, and while they strive to prepare for various scenarios, the uncertainty looms large.
This situation has garnered attention, highlighting the profound challenges faced by immigrants in New York during these turbulent times.