DETROIT, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office, Michigan’s immigrant communities are expressing growing concern over his campaign promises to implement the “largest deportation operation in American history.”

Trump’s current plans include going after criminal undocumented immigrants first and also those with deportation orders who are still in the country. Tom Homan, Donald Trump’s “border czar,” tasked with overseeing his sweeping deportation agenda says that the Trump administration will prioritize deporting those with a criminal past, saying, “It’s going to be public safety threats and national security threats (that) will be the priority.” He described the plan to Fox News saying, “It’s not going to be a massive sweep of neighborhoods. It’s not going to be massive raids. It’s going to be a targeted enforcement operation.”

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Those who will be targeted first account for a staggering 662,566 non-citizens with criminal convictions or pending charges, primarily for assault and drug-related offenses.

Additionally, according to numbers from ICE, there are about 1.3 million non-citizens with final orders to depart but still remain in the country.

Fear and uncertainty.

Regardless of who, when and how non-citizens will be deported, the prospect of these mass deportations has instilled fear among many undocumented immigrants in Michigan. Beyond the immediate threat of removal, there is anxiety about the potential separation of families and the disruption of established lives. Advocacy groups are emphasizing the importance of community solidarity and are urging residents to support their immigrant neighbors during this uncertain time.

Americans, however, are unified in supporting the deportations. A recent Rasmussen poll shows that a whopping 64% of Americans approve of Trump’s plan for mass deportations.

There are an estimated 130,000 undocumented immigrants residing in the state of Michigan, according to Pew Research Center data from 2022, and the potential ramifications of new Trump policies are prompting both individuals and organizations to warn about future consequences and give advice on how to take proactive measures.

Economic implications for key industries.

Michigan’s economy, particularly its agriculture and food processing sectors, relies heavily on migrant labor with migrant workers and their dependents contribute significantly to these industries each year.

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Advocates warn that mass deportations could lead to labor shortages, driving up production costs and, consequently, consumer prices. Susan Reed, director of the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, noted that employers might face challenges replacing a workforce that is no longer present, potentially impacting produce prices. She told WDET-Detroit Public Radio, “Employers are very likely to face employer-focused raids, and I would expect that to impact prices as businesses struggle to replace a workforce that is either no longer migrating or no longer present in the community.”

Legal preparations and community support.

In response to the looming uncertainty, legal experts and advocacy groups are mobilizing to support non-citizens. The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center is actively providing resources and guidance to help individuals understand their rights and prepare for potential enforcement actions.

Community organizations are also hosting informational sessions and workshops to educate immigrants about legal protections and the importance of having contingency plans in place.

Local government responses and the future ahead.

Some Michigan cities have already taken steps to protect their immigrant populations. Detroit and Ann Arbor, for instance, have anti-profiling ordinances that generally prohibit local police from inquiring about an individual’s immigration status unless they are suspected of a crime. However, these policies do not prevent cooperation with federal immigration authorities, leaving some residents feeling vulnerable.

As Michigan anticipates the potential implementation of President-elect Trump’s deportation plans, the state faces a critical juncture. The significant presence of undocumented immigrants brings wide- ranging implications, from pressures on public services to challenges in upholding law and order. As enforcement actions to remove non-citizens unfold, Michigan communities must navigate the complexities ahead, balancing adherence to the rule of law with economic realities, while the Trump administration advances its commitment to national security and public safety.