ICE Terrorizes Immigrant Families While Trump Pushes Largest Deportation Campaign Ever

The nightmare of ICE raids is not some distant headline — it’s the daily reality for millions of immigrant families across the country. One El Camino College student, Ana Gamez, shares the gut-wrenching anxiety of waiting for a loved one who might be snatched by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“It’s 6:30 p.m. I’m pacing, calling my mom, no answer. Panic sets in. What if ICE stopped her? She doesn’t speak English. What if she doesn’t have her papers? Where would I even find her?” Gamez recounts. The relief when her mother finally pulls into the driveway is palpable — but the fear never fully goes away.

This fear is fueled by President Trump’s 2024 campaign promise to launch “the largest deportation operation in American history” targeting the so-called “millions of illegal aliens invading our country.” According to the Department of Homeland Security, roughly 3 million undocumented immigrants have left the U.S., with about 675,000 forcibly deported and 2.2 million self-deporting under the pressure of ICE’s relentless crackdown.

ICE’s budget ballooned to $85 billion under Trump’s administration, making it the highest-funded law enforcement agency in the country. The “Big Beautiful Bill Act” pumped more resources into ICE’s hands, enabling widespread raids on worksites, local vendors, and car washes. Yet public support is scarce — only 36% of Americans back ICE, while nearly half want the agency abolished.

Despite claims of targeting criminals, data shows otherwise. Tracereports reveal that 73.6% of current ICE detainees have no criminal convictions. These aggressive raids rip families apart and terrorize communities, forcing many undocumented immigrants to carry their documentation at all times and limit their outings to bare necessities.

The psychological toll is immense. Living under constant threat damages mental and physical health, sapping hope and security. But Gamez urges those affected to channel fear into resistance: support local immigrant vendors, attend protests, and engage in city council meetings. Know your rights, have a plan, and if you witness a detention, record it safely without intervening.

El Camino College’s Dream Resource Center partners with The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights to offer free legal services and safe spaces like the United Warriors Club, where students can connect and learn to advocate for themselves and their communities.

ICE’s terror campaign is not just a policy failure — it is a moral crisis. As Trump doubles down on deportations, the human cost mounts. It’s time to hold ICE accountable and fight back against this assault on immigrant families and democratic values.