Paranoia in Compton: Trump soldiers hunt migrants without papers!

Paranoia in Compton: Trump soldiers hunt migrants without papers!

Weil am Rhein, Deutschland - In the USA, President Donald Trump's policy continues to ensure tense mood. The residents are particularly unsettled in ethnic diverse neighborhoods such as Compton, California. Joe, a Latin American descent, describes the atmosphere as a paranoid and complains about the methods of the authorities that he compares with Gestapo methods. "The constitution and the principles anchored in it are in danger," he emphasizes. An estimated 10 to 11 million people without a valid residence status in the United States, including almost a million in Los Angeles, currently live. Despite their tireless work in areas such as agriculture, construction and gastronomy, many of these people feel politically between foreclosure and lost reform promises.

The pressure on migrants grows. President Trump pursues a rigid deterrent strategy that has already led to a dramatic decline in illegal border crossings. In February 2024, only 8,450 migrants were registered, which represents a decline of 70 % compared to the previous month. This number has been the lowest since the beginning of the count in 2000, and it shows that the strict measures are taking more and more fruits. The Trump government has increased numerous hurdles for asylum applications and tightened the border controls, while illegally entered is increasingly deported without procedures, reports the NZZ .

situation at the US limit

The tightened laws and the military presence at the border have profound effects, not only in the USA, but also for those who flee from Central America. Many migrants who previously made it to the USA with fixed goals are resigned or are stuck in Mexico. Politologist Eunice Alma Rendón observes that the movement of migrants has stalled; Some even think about looking for alternative routes via Colombia to Spain. The US policy means that Mexico acts as part of the 'wall' and forces migrants to turn to others.

The stories of migrants on their escape routes are often tragic. Victore, a Slovenian, describes how dangerous the boat tours are where people disappear. The situation for Venezuelans has also intensified: over seven million have left their homeland due to the dictatorship, many are on their way to the USA or fail on their journey and face violent deportations.

strong social effects

The social effects of emigration and strict migration policy are enormous. Raids are planned in large cities, but the actual numbers of the deported migrants are relatively low. Many in public support the deportation of criminal immigrants, a survey even shows that 88 % are for the deportation of foreign people who are illegally in the country. This hard rhetoric not only affects the mood among the population, but also has serious effects on the living communities founded by migrants.

Hope for a better future remains for many lost. Tiobeli Cargo, a Cuban in Mexico, still sees a way to find work and has resigned himself to the bleak reality. "The American dream has died," he states and thus reflects the deeply rooted feeling of despair, which many migrants feel in the face of the constantly changing political landscape.