Raids Are Increasingly Forcing Immigrants to Step Away From Public Life to Avoid Arrest: Report

Enforcement raids targeting undocumented immigrants under the Trump administration have led many to withdraw from public life, with mounting fear reshaping daily routines across the U.S., particularly in California, as a new report by the L.A. Times revealed.

Activities like going to church, attending medical appointments, or taking children to school have become risky, prompting thousands to avoid public spaces and adopt digital alternatives.

Victor Narro, project director at the UCLA Labor Center, described the situation to the outlet as "a harmful form of racial profiling combined with the suspension of constitutional rights and due process."

Pastor Carlos Rincon of a Pentecostal church in East Los Angeles reported that his congregation has halved in size. In-person services have largely been replaced by Facebook and Zoom gatherings. He also recounted the case of a congregant who postponed chemotherapy out of fear of arrest.

The increase in home confinement extends beyond religious life. Luz Gallegos, executive director of TODEC Legal Center, said many immigrants only leave home for work and are now receiving groceries through deliveries or community support. Some have even switched to pagers or changed phone providers, concerned about digital surveillance.

Healthcare access has also been seen an impact. St. John's Community Health in Los Angeles County launched a home visitation program after patients began canceling appointments due to fear of apprehension by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). "More than a third of all patients didn't show up or canceled their appointments," said Jim Mangia, CEO of the institution.

The economic effects of these developments are also wreaking havoc. A Bloomberg report published last week detailed how immigration enforcement is contributing to labor shortages in industries like agriculture and manufacturing. Shay Myers, CEO of Idaho-based Owyhee Produce, said his farm is struggling to find labor:

"We will not feed our people in this country without these workers, plain and simple"

Local businesses are experiencing the ripple effects. The LA Fashion District reported a 40% drop in visits after a major raid while in Texas, dairy farms are facing staffing crises. "It's sheer panic," said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller.

Homeland Security's Tricia McLaughlin reaffirmed through a written statement to Bloomberg that ICE will continue targeting undocumented immigrants regardless of where they work:

"The President has been incredibly clear. There will be no safe spaces for industries who harbor violent criminals or purposely try to undermine ICE's efforts. Worksite enforcement remains a cornerstone of our efforts to safeguard public safety, national security and economic stability."