Updated:2025-02-01 08:47 Views:131
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a briefing at the White House, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, in Washington. Leavitt claims that all 3,500 individuals arrested for suspected illegal presence were criminals. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
NEW YORK – The undocumented Filipino community in the US is facing heightened anxiety over their immigration status due to conflicting reports about immigration enforcement.
While some sources claim that ICE is primarily targeting individuals with criminal records, others warn that those without any criminal history can still be arrested or deported as part of mass deportation efforts.
Adding to their distress, Philippine Ambassador to the US, Jose Manuel Romualdez, recently advised undocumented Filipinos to leave the US voluntarily amid the implementation of President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies. This statement has sparked outrage within the community.
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“It’s easy for him to say ‘go home’ without showing any compassion for those of us who have worked hard to support our families back in the Philippines,” an undocumented caregiver who wished to remain anonymous told Inquirer.net USA.
The Fil-Am community has received mixed reactions regarding Trump’s executive orders compared to Ambassador Romualdez’s directive. Some believe that living in a sanctuary city like New York should provide some level of protection. Sanctuary cities typically limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, creating a safer space for immigrants.
However, recent reports of immigration raids in New York City have left many questioning the effectiveness of sanctuary policies. Accounts indicate that during ICE operations, individuals without legal status are often apprehended, even if they have no prior criminal history.
ADVERTISEMENTMany undocumented individuals find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time during these raids, becoming collateral damage in broader enforcement efforts.
Most undocumented individuals are essential workers without criminal backgrounds, highlighting the disconnect between Trump administration’s rhetoric and the reality faced by millions.
A mother embraces her son after signing a document giving Nora Sandigo legal guardianship of her minor children if she is detained or deported by immigration authorities, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Miami. Sandigo runs a non-profit organization that helps immigrants and their families. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
In a statement regarding a recent federal operation in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the city’s commitment to public safety, stating, “We will not hesitate to partner with federal authorities to bring violent criminals to justice — just as we have done for years. Our commitment to protecting our city’s law-abiding residents, both citizens and immigrants, remains unwavering.”
ADVERTISEMENT“But we are not criminals,” said another Filipino who is in the process of fixing his immigration papers. “What if we are just eating at a restaurant, shopping at the supermarket, or waiting for a train in the subway on our way to work or home? I hope Mayor Adams stands by his promise to protect the undocumented immigrants of this city — the promise he made before he met with Trump in Florida and before he attended Trump’s inauguration at the Capitol.”
Portrayal of undocumented immigrants as ‘criminals’
Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s portrayal of undocumented immigrants as “criminals” has raised significant concerns, especially after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed that all 3,500 individuals arrested for suspected illegal presence were criminals.
This assertion overlooks the fact that being undocumented is a civil violation, not a criminal offense, and many have not been convicted of any crimes.
Critics argue that this narrative justifies broad deportation efforts targeting non-violent immigrants, despite data showing that undocumented immigrants commit crimes at lower rates than US citizens.
Immigration lawyer Licelle Cobrador, president of the Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF), clarified that individuals without criminal records may still be detained if they cannot prove their immigration status during ICE raids.
“What should I do? Stop working? How will I support my family back in the Philippines?” expressed another undocumented individual, reflecting the desperation felt by many in the community.
Many Filipinos resort to marriage for convenience, spending significant amounts of money to secure their immigration status and escape the constant fear of deportation. As a result of the current executive actions, many are now in limbo, with some avoiding work altogether.
Kacie, whose name has been changed for anonymity, shared that half of the undocumented staff at her cousin’s Manhattan hotel chain failed to report to work after being asked for proof of legal status.
“When we hired them, we only asked for their driver’s licenses and Social Security numbers. Now, under the Trump administration’s strict policies, we need to comply,” she said.
The Philippine Embassy reports that 24 Filipinos have been deported from the US, with 16 more pending deportation. Minor crimes, including traffic violations, were cited as reasons for these deportations.
Mayor Ron Falconi of Brunswick, Ohio, reiterated the administration’s position. In a statement provided to Inquirer.net USA, he said, “Donald Trump was elected on a mandate to remove dangerous criminals. The law is the law, and anyone here illegally could face enforcement actions. This isn’t new information; it’s been known for years.”
The Republican mayor advised undocumented individuals to pursue legal avenues for immigration to ensure stability for themselves and their families.
Despite the challenges, the Philippine Embassy reminds individuals of their rights when interacting with ICE agents, including the right to remain silent and to refuse consent for searches of their homes or vehicles.
In a statement sent to Inquirer.net USA, the Philippine Embassy said their office and all the Philippine consulates in the US “stand ready to assist all Filipinos in the US regardless of their immigration status to ensure that their rights are respected.”
Atty. Cobrador emphasized the importance of community support and resources. “We are conducting ‘Know Your Rights’ clinics and calling on local resources to assist individuals. Representing individuals in immigration court demands extensive resources and support,” she told Inquirer.net USA.
What to do during ICE encounters
Remain calm and ask if you are free to leave; if not, express your desire to remain silent until you can speak to a lawyer. You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status; only provide basic identifying information if necessary. Do not consent to searches without a warrant. Document any interactions with ICE agents if possible.If asked for documents:
Present any valid immigration documents you may have. If you lack documents, politely decline to answer questions about your immigration status, stating your wish to speak with a lawyer.Important considerations
Know your local laws, as some states may require you to provide your name and address to law enforcement. Do not resist arrest; remain calm and cooperate while exercising your right to remain silent.For those facing immigration challenges, seeking legal advice as soon as possible is crucial for navigating the complexities of the current landscape.
The Adventist Community of Greater New York is hosting a virtual immigration forum titled “Know Your Rights” on Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. This free event welcomes Filipinos from the Tri-State area and across the US to participate. Join via Zoom using ID 874 6918 2671 and passcode 6981996.
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