Undocumented Kenyans in the United States are facing heightened anxiety as the Trump administration intensifies its immigration crackdown.
As of January 26, 2025, nearly 1,000 individuals were arrested—the largest number since Trump began his second term as president. Cities such as Chicago, Newark, and Miami have become focal points for the enforcement operation, involving multiple federal agencies.
The crackdown is largely driven by tips from the public, which have led immigration officials to target individuals in places like their workplaces and places of worship. This tactic has left many migrants, including Kenyans, terrified of going about their daily lives.
One Kenyan resident in Boston shared his fear with Kenyans.co.ke, saying that while his own family hasn’t been directly targeted, many in the immigrant community are living on edge. “Some are staying at home full-time out of fear," he said. "Officers are closing in on migrants in random places, even at their workplaces."
While some Kenyans have their documents in order, the fear stems from the fact that family members may not, leaving them vulnerable to deportation. This was highlighted by a recent CNN interview, where the relative of an immigrant—who had lived in the US for nearly three decades—described how immigration agents knocked on his door and arrested him without warning.
The situation is further complicated by a new wave of deportations. Military aircraft are now conducting flights to return undocumented immigrants to their home countries, with each flight reportedly carrying at least 80 people. This new phase of Trump’s immigration policy has sparked fear and frustration within the Kenyan community, with many expressing concerns over being reported by their fellow countrymen.
The tough stance on immigration marks a stark contrast to the more lenient approach seen under former President Joe Biden, who focused primarily on individuals posing a threat to public safety.
As the crackdown continues, undocumented Kenyans and other immigrants are left to navigate a climate of uncertainty, their lives hanging in the balance.
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