Amid Trump’s Deportation Promises, Valley Residents Face a Flood of Misinformation and Fear

PHOENIX — Recent fears surrounding possible U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids have heightened anxiety in the Valley, despite no official confirmation of increased enforcement operations.

Community members, especially those in immigrant households, are expressing deep concern and confusion. Melissa Arellano, a youth organizer with the group Puente, reports that many individuals are inundated with distressing rumors. “There’s a lot of uncertainty,” Arellano explained, addressing the overwhelming sentiment of fear and misinformation circulating in the community.

One individual, who chose to remain anonymous, has lived in the U.S. without documentation for nearly 30 years. She shared her deep concern with 12News, stating, “The worst part is that we don’t know who they’re going to detain. We are all at risk regardless if we are criminals or not.” This perception of vulnerability echoes across various households, heightening the sense of insecurity in daily routines.

The anxiety isn’t confined to non-citizens. Karen Mireles, a U.S. citizen, questioned the safety of her children while attending school, highlighting the pervasive fear gripping families. “Do I feel safe that they’re going to protect our children?” she asked, reflecting the broader impact of these policies on community trust and well-being.

To combat misinformation, Puente has established a hotline for reporting potential ICE activity—an initiative responding directly to community needs. “We knew that there was going to be a lot of misinformation being spread, a lot of fear,” Arellano said, emphasizing the importance of clear communication in these turbulent times.

Alongside the hotline, Puente is organizing training sessions, including a “Migra Watch” training event scheduled for January 28. The goal is to empower community members to understand their rights and learn how to respond effectively to any ICE actions they may witness.

“We are going to take care of each other,” Arellano affirmed. “Keeping our community safe is our number one priority.” As tensions remain high, community solidarity appears to be a crucial strategy for navigating these uncertain times.