The new immigration executive order has impacted our community since President Donald Trump signed it on January 22, 2025. Students, families, and teachers have all been affected in several ways.
The immigration executive order’s main objective is to deport all non-citizens who have a criminal record or could be a danger to our community.
“I’ll say it is a good thing at the same time, considering it can take people who have criminal records and could affect our community, but at the same time, it could not be a good thing,” said Ricardo Paz, a senior.
This executive order doesn’t just affect those who have criminal records but also workers who might be afraid to go out because of the anxiety that they might be the next ones to get deported.
“I don’t think they will feel safe; they will feel anxious every time. What if someone is passing by and ICE could pick them up? They will be anxious every single time.” said Paz.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Mexican people perform various jobs throughout the U.S., and their labor force participation rate is 67 percent.
“I think it is terrible, and that will affect everyone, not just the people who like to be sent out to México because those people are like the backbone of our society.” Claudia Martinez, a junior, said.
Students’ lives have changed. They must ensure that their families are safe and avoid places they usually visit. I asked Jose if he had noticed any changes in his family and friends’ behavior.
“Changes in their behavior? Yes, we don’t go to the Pulga anymore,” Gonzales, a sophomore, said.
Another way it affects them is the sense of safety they feel during school. They are scared they might be deported during school time, causing students to withdraw from school.
“If it is, I don’t see it happening here. I heard yesterday, February 6, 2025, that it was happening at La Joya High School and others, but not here.” U.S. history teacher Ramiro Garza said.
Trust between the minority community and police officers has been weak for years, and now it is even weaker, as the executive order on immigration has been approved, further affecting the relationship between police officers and minority groups. As a result, many people may begin to view police officers negatively.
“They could be disrespected as being seen as, ‘Oh, why didn’t you do anything?’ Even though they aren’t from the same department, they would be attacked either way, considering they aren’t part of the ICE.” Paz said.
This has an impact on Hispanic children with Mexican parents who are in danger of getting deported and having to witness their family members being scared for their lives; they came here to get a better life and opportunities.
“It is terrifying to be a student in that situation. I don’t think anyone should get deported. People come here for a better life, and it’s just scary to see this happening in real life.” Estrella Sanchez, a sophomore, said.
The order can have many different impacts that we might not be able to foresee, especially here in the Rio Grande Valley, where the population is predominantly Mexican and Hispanic, with 91.5 percent identifying as Hispanic.
“I think it will lead to more harm,” Ricardo said.
