by Andy Ortiz, Managing Editor, and Nicholas Valenzuela

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have been sent throughout the country in a sweep of deportations started by President Donald Trump. In the city of Los Angeles, people have been feeling the effects of deportations, and protests have risen in response.

Nearly as soon as he took office, President Trump signed executive orders sending ICE officers throughout various cities in the United States with the goal of finding and arresting illegal immigrants to send them back to their countries.

Mass deportations have mostly been taking place in large sanctuary states such as California, New York and Arizona. The main cities being impacted by ICE raids have been Chicago, Dallas and most notably LA.

The amount of arrests and deportations have spiked under the new executive orders. The Associated Press reports that the average daily ICE arrests under former president Joe Biden were 311 in one year. In the first week of ICE raids, they have reported that the numbers have gone up to 710 daily immigration arrests.

The local LA community has felt the deportations most heavily because of the high immigrant population in the city. According to the California Community Foundation, immigrants make up about 35% of the whole city.

A clinical social worker, who works at a hospital in the L.A. area, has expressed very deep sadness for the distressed families that have been going through heaps of fear and confusion due to the public operations of ICE.

“We have definitely witnessed the fear and uncertainty in the lives of our patients,” said the social worker. “Our social workers are asked daily by patients about how this will impact the care of their children.”

The social worker says that more families have been coming to her expressing worry that they may be stopped and even arrested by immigration officers, scared over the frenzy being caused by the deportations.

“When I see the names and faces of the children, it brings profound anguish. I can only try to imagine how scary it must be,” said the social worker.

With the deportations greatly affecting the L.A. community, many people have expressed various opinions about whether they are justified or not. Bosco parent and police officer, Anthony Valenzuela, believes that the law should be followed when it comes to legal immigration.

“Those who are here illegally and that have been here some time have had ample opportunity to start the process of becoming a U.S. Citizen or apply for resident status,” said Mr. Valenzuela. “I have empathy for those who are here to work and live a better life, but the laws we have exist for a reason.”

Due to President Trump’s deportation policies following his inauguration, protests erupted across the country, most notably in Los Angeles where a protest took place on 101 Freeway.

According to The Associated Press, the protesters gathered on Olvera Street, a historic street showcasing Mexican culture, before marching to City Hall blocking the 101 Freeway for several hours.

Some of the rhetoric they used included chants like “nobody is illegal” and “immigrants make America great.” Bosco senior Luiz Azamas attended the protest.

“I went to fight for people like my parents who are hard working individuals who want nothing more than a better life for their family,” Luiz said.

There have been many different opinions expressed on the major protests happening in LA. Mr. Valenzuela believes that as long as protests remain peaceful, citizens should feel free to stand up for what they believe in.

“Once people who are protesting become violent and vandalize property, the laws that protect them protesting, now become laws that can incarcerate them,” said Mr. Valenzuela. “I support lawful protests; it’s part of what makes America great.” 

The clinical social worker also believes in the freedom to peacefully protest, but worries that people may use it as a shield to cause more chaos and violence.

“​​In the past, unrelated opportunistic groups hid in these protests and caused chaos and violence,” said the social worker. “Ultimately, the freedom of expression shouldn’t be silenced as long as it’s done in a safe manner.”

Despite protests, President Trump and his administration has not slowed down the deportations of illegal immigrants, and most likely will not back down anytime soon.