Less than 24 hours into Donald Trump‘s second term, Chicago residents are already steeling themselves for incoming ICE raids. Chicago isn’t the only major U.S. city to brace for increased policing and arrests, however. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity appears to be ramping up across the country under Trump-appointed Border Czar Tom Homan. The result? Towns and cities across the U.S. are bracing for impact. Anti-immigration rhetoric helped kick off Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, and mass deportations have been on his policy wish list for years. Now, some TikTokers are helping to spread the word about staying safe from ICE.
TikTok Spreads Info and Tactics to Combat ICE
The Trump administration’s precise plans aren’t known yet, but the list of cities targeted for ICE raids appears to be growing. Chicago, New York City, and Boston are reportedly among the cities that may see waves of ICE arrests in Trump’s first week and beyond. Sanctuary cities such as Washington, D.C. and Sante Fe also seem to be among ICE’s first targets. While TikTok users have named Detroit, Baltimore, LA, and Seattle as other likely targets for subsequent raids and arrests, it’s too early to know for certain. That hasn’t stopped many concerned users from spreading the word.
Several videos containing advice for those concerned about ICE arrests already have over 100k likes, showing how rampant fear of the agency is. “LA MIGRA”!!! don’t forget these words” said one commenter. “Drag the questions out,” said another. “YOU. KNOW. NOTHING. la migra!!!” Other advice included gathering important documents and making sure a family member knows where to find them, consulting with an immigration attorney, and not opening the door without a valid warrant.
Elon Musk performing a Nazi salute during Trump’s inauguration is just the latest manifestation of the anti-immigrant and racist rhetoric that has defined Trump and many of his Republican allies. While Immigration and Customs Enforcement fights to contain leaks and maintain secrecy concerning its detention and deportation efforts, TikTok isn’t making ICE raids easy.
