An advocacy group in Arizona has introduced a hotline for people to report deportations conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the Phoenix area.
ICE was contacted by Newsweek for comment via email.
Why It Matters
President Donald Trump returned to office on Monday with a strong commitment to pursue a tough immigration agenda. As a result, ICE raids and deportations have commenced throughout the United States. These policies have created a contentious divide between the U.S. government and various sanctuary states and cities across the nation.
What To Know
Puente Arizona, a grassroots organization that supports immigrants, has initiated a hotline to provide assistance by alerting individuals to Border Patrol activity, debunking false rumors, and working towards the prevention of the separation of immigrant families, as stated by Natally Cruz, the director of the group, in an interview with azcentral.
The group is sending text message alerts to notify individuals about the presence of ICE or Border Patrol activity in a specific area, according to Cruz. Furthermore, once the activity is confirmed, the group coordinates teams to visit the location, providing individuals with information about their rights and documenting any arrests that occur.
Cruz informed the outlet that the main objective is to notify other organizations and share the information on social media if they happen to witness any suspicious activities or incidents. The purpose of this is to ensure that the local community members can stay informed and avoid the affected area. To report any concerns, individuals can contact the hotline at 480-506-7437.
Trump has made a commitment to implement the biggest mass deportation initiative in the United States’ history. Once he assumed the presidency, he wasted no time in putting his plans into action, authorizing the signing of over 100 executive orders.
The orders encompassed various measures, including the declaration of a national emergency at the border. It put an end to birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants born in the U.S. Additionally, it implemented stricter measures against sanctuary cities and states that refuse to collaborate with federal immigration agents. The orders also mandated the Defense Department to provide troops and resources to aid the Secretary of Homeland Security in achieving full operational control of the border. Furthermore, Trump directed the military to assist in the construction of border barriers to deter the influx of migrants.
According to Cruz, the hotline received an overwhelming response with over 70 calls and text messages within the initial 48 hours following Trump’s inauguration. This influx of information proved instrumental in pinpointing the arrest made by ICE officers on Tuesday. The arrest took place in Maryvale, a neighborhood situated on the west side of Phoenix, known for its sizable Latino immigrant community.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Friday that deportation flights have commenced. To illustrate this, she shared two photos of individuals boarding a military aircraft, sending a clear message that illegal entry into the United States of America will result in significant repercussions.
Tom Homan, the man responsible for executing the mass deportations as Trump’s border czar, revealed that ICE conducted a total of 308 arrests nationwide in the initial two days of the new administration. In an update provided by ICE, it was stated that agents successfully apprehended 538 undocumented immigrants on Thursday.
Between October 2023 and September 2024, ICE officers averaged 310 arrests per day and detained an average of 409 individuals. It’s important to note that the previous administration did not typically emphasize these activities, and it’s worth mentioning that not all immigration enforcement actions are publicly disclosed.
In recent interviews, Homan stated that the administration’s priority would be targeting migrants who have committed serious or violent crimes. However, the widespread fear of large-scale raids has caused many undocumented migrants to feel apprehensive about leaving their homes, going to work, or attending essential healthcare appointments.
In light of the arrests, American citizens, including Native Americans, have been encouraged to keep their identification documents with them at all times.
What People Are Saying
According to Natally Cruz, the director of Puente Arizona, individuals are being reported as being individually apprehended. This was expected as a priority for those with deportation orders or final orders of removal.
According to local sources, individuals who are being directly picked up by ICE are the ones currently at risk. However, there is no confirmed information regarding any raids or similar activities. As of now, there hasn’t been any noticeable enforcement action taking place.
She emphasized that the safety of the community takes precedence, particularly the safety of children and parents returning home. Having experienced the times of Arpaio, she understands the terror and trauma it can inflict on their community.
According to Tom Homan, in an interview with Fox News earlier this week, he stated that ICE is effectively carrying out their duties and following the priorities set by the president. Homan commended the outstanding performance of ICE in the field and emphasized their commitment to continue their work every day.
What Happens Next
ICE raids and deportations will continue at a rapid pace during the Trump administration.
On January 20, the president issued an executive order stating that the government will take necessary measures to empower the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to establish priorities for their respective agencies. These priorities aim to safeguard the public safety and national security interests of the American people, which includes ensuring the effective enforcement of final orders of removal.