The fear of deportation has become an inescapable reality for many immigrant families in the United States, and for two students, it is a constant source of anxiety that colors their daily lives.

A student at DHS, who wished to remain anonymous, shared a conversation with their mother that reflects the growing unease among immigrant communities. “My mom told me—she’s an immigrant—that people are spreading the word to not go to stores today, and to not go shopping, to protest it,” they said. This sentiment, sparked by ongoing ICE raids across the country, has left families uncertain of their safety.

For this student, and many others in similar situations, the fear extends far beyond the idea of deportation. “Me and my mom live in fear of going to the store,” the student confided. The everyday activities that many take for granted become fraught with worry. The threat of separation from loved ones looms, and even routine errands can trigger anxiety for immigrant families.

The growing intensity of ICE raids has left many feeling vulnerable, including immigrants who have legal documentation. “Even immigrants with visas, as you’ve seen in the news, are getting deported,” another student explained, pointing out that the raids are targeting a broad swath of the immigrant population, including those who have followed the legal process.

For these students, the fear is especially real because of how long their families have lived in the U.S. One student expressed frustration about how something as fundamental as a sense of security can be so easily threatened. “My dad has lived here for 20 years, and to have the fear of that being taken away is annoying,” the student said. After two decades of hard work, the possibility of losing everything in an instant is a source of deep anxiety.

The effects of these policies are felt not only by adults but by their children as well. One of the students pointed out the larger implications for immigrant children, particularly after President Trump’s recent changes to birthright citizenship. The Birthright citizenship currently allows any child born in the U.S. to be an American citizen, but recently Trump has attempted to change any baby born on U.S. territory to take the citizenship of their parents. “Now the children of immigrants are living in fear too because Trump just signed the birth rights to citizenship, because he doesn’t want them here either,” the student said, highlighting how these actions are causing distress for young people who are U.S. citizens by birth but whose parents live in constant fear of deportation.

Despite the tense climate, both students were quick to emphasize the hardworking nature of immigrant families and the broader context of their sacrifices. “Most of the immigrants that are coming here are looking to provide better possibilities for their kids… possibilities they didn’t really get growing up,” one of the students said. Their families come to the U.S. seeking opportunity, and it’s not just a quest for themselves, but for future generations.

But the risks are high, and both students are acutely aware of how fragile their situation is. “Everything that they’ve worked for can be easily taken away,” one said. The reality of their parents’ status and the constant threat of separation are a source of worry, and the fear isn’t just limited to their families.

One student shared a card that they have to carry, which provides instructions on how to respond if ICE comes to her home. “I got this little card that says what you should do if there’s an ICE person at your door,” she said, underscoring how these young people have had to adapt to a world where their safety is always in question.

While many are told that ICE is only targeting those with criminal records, the students aren’t so sure. “They say they’re just taking the ones with a criminal record, but it’s kinda like this thing where if they find someone with a criminal record that’s working with other immigrants without criminal records, they’re just gonna take them all,” one of them noted. The fear of being caught in the crossfire, even if they haven’t committed any crime, is a heavy burden for immigrant families.

Despite the overwhelming fear, both students emphasized that immigrants, regardless of their status, should be treated with humanity. “We’re all human, we’re all the same. You shouldn’t hate somebody because they come from somewhere different or speak another language,” one said, calling for empathy and compassion.