Trump Administration Expands Detention, Deportation Affecting Students, Citizens Nationwide

The Trump administration has intensified immigration enforcement, particularly targeting immigrants, including students, Dreamers, and even some U.S. citizens, through expanded detention and deportation efforts. Private prison companies like GEO Group and CoreCivic have profited substantially from government contracts related to immigration removals, with donations made to Trump’s campaign and inauguration events coinciding with significant stock value increases for these companies. Many individuals, including documented foreign-born students and academics involved in pro-Palestinian protests, have been detained without charges or due process, sparking allegations of politically motivated repression reminiscent of McCarthyism. International students face heightened uncertainty and fear, with thousands targeted across numerous universities, impacting their education and futures, while some schools have even faced efforts to block international student enrollment. Cases such as that of business owner Abel Orozco Ortega, held for months without a criminal record, highlight legal limbo and potential violations of past agreements concerning ICE enforcement practices. Advocates and organizations emphasize the cruelty and chaos of the administration’s policies, calling attention to the widespread harm inflicted on communities and the undermining of American values and opportunities for young people striving to contribute to society.