How Families Are Preparing for Mass Deportations Under Trump's New Immigration Plans

Mixed-status families across the U.S. are preparing for the possibility of mass deportations under President-elect Donald Trump's proposed immigration policies. Advocacy groups and affected families are taking steps to address potential separations that could impact 4 million households where some members are undocumented while others are U.S. citizens, according to the American Immigration Council (AIC).

Trump has pledged the largest deportation effort in U.S. history, sparking concerns about family unity. His incoming administration has not ruled out separating families, though Trump's "border czar," Tom Homan, recently told that deporting families together remains an option.

In Pennsylvania, Lillie, a U.S. citizen married to an undocumented man from Honduras, is one of many taking precautions. She recently obtained passports for her U.S.-born children and plans to secure a power of attorney in case her husband is deported, as reported by NBC News. Her husband, who was detained for two months in 2017, has made it clear he would not remain in detention again. "If it were to happen again, it would not be, 'Let's stay and fight,'" Lillie added.

As Trump nominates his cabinet to implement his tough immigration policies, immigrant advocates and attorneys fear that the new administration may target vulnerable children disproportionately with actions such as resuming family separations at the border or breaking up mixed-status families living in U.S. cities. During Trump's first term, over 5,500 families were reportedly separated at the border under the "zero tolerance" policy.

Practical help

In Tucson, Arizona, Coalición de Derechos Humanos, a coalition of nonprofits, is helping families prepare "emergency packets" with vital documents, including power of attorney forms, school records, and family emergency contacts. These workshops aim to avoid situations where children are left stranded if parents are detained while they're at school. "We are now inundated with people," said Isabel Garcia, co-founder of the coalition, noting an increase in interest since Trump's election victory.

The policy shift comes as Arizona voters passed Proposition 314, a new state law allowing local law enforcement to arrest noncitizens and enforce deportations. Some sheriffs, however, have voiced concerns about the law.

Santa Cruz County Sheriff David Hathaway warned it could erode trust in law enforcement among immigrant communities. "They wouldn't want to call 911," he said, highlighting the additional strain on his understaffed department.

In Denver, nonprofits are also overwhelmed with questions from families. Yoli Casas, who leads a local organization aiding migrants, reported a flood of inquiries about granting power of attorney to safeguard children's well-being. "Even children are asking, 'Are we going to get deported?'" Casas said.

Effects of mass deportation

Another study, from the Center for Migration Studies (CMS), show nearly 5 million American families may face profound disruption under a proposed 2024 mass deportation program. The report warns that such a large-scale deportation effort could break up families, causing widespread social and economic consequences. The analysis shows that 5.8 million U.S. households include at least one undocumented resident. Of these, 4.7 million are "mixed-status" households, where U.S. citizens or legal residents live alongside undocumented individuals.

Even Trump partisans have raised a red flag about the consequences of mass deportations. U.S. Republican Tony Gonzales (R-San Antonio) warned that a mass deportation plan would be unrealistic and damaging to his Party. Deporting millions indiscriminately, including elderly relatives, would damage the GOP's image, Gonzales added, and the focus should be on deporting "hardened criminals," not the broader undocumented population.