‘When will we be separated?’

For immigrants, deportation becomes a constant fear

An English class at Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Gainesville, Fla.

Thousands of families are deeply worried about their future under the Trump administration. Constant fear surrounds the adults and children potentially affected by the mass deportations that began Jan. 20.

In my congregation, Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Gainesville, Fla., dozens of families are worried about what will happen to them. Some are undocumented; others are in the asylum-seeking process.

“When will it be our turn to be separated?” they ask.

These aren’t abstract fears. They are painful, daily worries that affect every aspect of their lives.

Under President Trump’s executive order, public spaces, including churches and schools — once considered “sacred” and protected — are now targets for Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.

Emmanuel Mennonite does much work with immigrant families. It offers participation in English classes, alliances with organizations such as the Human Rights Coalition and Immigrant Hope to help families get legal and humanitarian support, financial help for families with economic needs, and connections with a network of local organizations and churches.

With the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation tactics, families once protected now face the possibility of being torn apart. Is there any hope?

Global response to the U.S. deportation order was swift. Several countries rejected the inhumane conditions that deported immigrants endured.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro was one of the first to stand up against the harsh treatment of deportees. Denouncing the chaining of people’s arms and feet, Petro refused entry to U.S. military planes transporting deported immigrants. He also cited the lack of proper seating, food and water onboard. He demanded humane treatment and even offered his presidential plane to help bring the deported people back to Colombia.

In response, President Trump threatened to deny visas for Colombian citizens and to raise tariffs on Colombian goods. Petro fired back, threatening to do the same with U.S. exports. The two countries eventually reached a compromise. Petro’s insistance on human dignity was a victory for the rights of migrants, who were then brought on civilian planes and unchained.

Small victories are critical. Whether through international pressure or domestic resistance, many are finding ways to stand against the tide of cruelty. Domestically, some schools have begun preparing to resist ICE raids, implementing protocols to protect students and families.

In another sign of hope, a sermon by Episcopalian Bishop Mariann Budde during the prayer service after Trump’s inauguration called for mercy and justice for immigrants and LGBTQ+ people. 

Peacemakers believe it is not necessary to carry arms to seek change. Change can happen through advocating for human rights.

At Emmanuel Mennonite, we continue to support those in need and provide hope to families by offering ways to extend their stay in the United States. But it will be difficult for asylum seekers to maintain legal status after their court dates and without sufficient legal support.

Nonetheless, we have faith in people who work toward the kingdom of God and in a system that can support the well-being of all, if enough people demand it.

Juan Moya of Gainesville, Fla. is AW’s digital strategist.

Juan Moya

Juan Moya serves as the digital strategist of Anabaptist World. He currently lives in Florida and is married to Mariana Read More

Anabaptist World

Anabaptist World Inc. (AW) is an independent journalistic ministry serving the global Anabaptist movement. We seek to inform, inspire and Read More

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