For the last quarter of a century, Maria’s version of the American dream has been confined to a small corner of South Texas, situated between the border with Mexico and a fortified Border Patrol checkpoint 77 miles north.
Maria, the mother of two U.S.-born teenagers who crossed illegally from Mexico in 1998, is among thousands of unauthorized immigrants who have lived in a precarious situation along the Texas border, connected to family members who are citizens but unable to leave their adopted hometowns due to a lack of legal immigration documents.
With President-elect Donald J. Trump’s promise to initiate mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, many in similar situations fear they will become easy targets. Border Patrol agents are authorized to make arrests within 100 miles of the border, and while they have typically not focused on families like Maria’s, this could change.
Additionally, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has proposed using the Texas National Guard and state law enforcement to assist in immigration enforcement, with plans for staging sites near the border.
Maria expressed increased anxiety about her family’s safety since the election, stating, “Before Trump got elected, we always felt scared but knew we could do things to avoid being noticed. Now we feel that once he takes office, dangers are everywhere. There is no place to hide.”
Many mixed-status families, where at least one parent is undocumented and the children are U.S. citizens, have integrated into Latino-majority communities in Texas. A 2018 report indicated that approximately 75,000 children in the Rio Grande Valley live in such blended families.
Maria left San Luis PotosÃ, Mexico, in the late 1990s, married another undocumented immigrant, and raised her daughters in Texas. In anticipation of potential deportation, she has advised her children to be prepared to stay with legal relatives if necessary.
Her elder daughter plans to study immigration law to help her mother if deported, expressing a desire for her mother to be present for significant life events. Another resident, Laura, who has lived along the Texas border since childhood, also faces uncertainty regarding her legal status as her protections under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program are set to expire soon.
In Texas border communities, there is growing impatience regarding unauthorized immigration. Trump won a significant majority of the South Texas region’s counties in the recent election, reflecting a shift in public sentiment toward stricter immigration enforcement.
Toni Treviño, a local Republican Party leader, stated that the community believes immigration laws should be enforced and that individuals marrying undocumented immigrants must be prepared for potential consequences.
At a recent meeting organized by immigrant activists, concerns about family separations were palpable. Many children expressed fears of returning home to find their parents deported. Activists provided information on rights and precautions for undocumented immigrants, emphasizing the need to avoid interactions with law enforcement.
JoaquÃn GarcÃa, a community organizer, urged attendees to have a plan in place in case of detention, including securing custody arrangements for their children. He reminded them of their rights, including the right to remain silent and seek legal counsel.
One attendee suggested that individuals facing deportation should consider returning to their home countries voluntarily. Another individual, a U.S. citizen, voiced concerns for her husband, a Mexican immigrant facing deportation, expressing urgency in securing his legal status before potential changes in immigration policy.
As families brace for possible changes under the incoming administration, many are left hoping for solutions to keep their loved ones together.