Immigration enforcement in the U.S. continues to affect communities quietly but significantly. Recently, federal agents have conducted operations that go unnoticed yet instill fear among many immigrants.
In Southern California, arrests have surged again. For instance, workers were detained near a Home Depot in San Diego, while a taco vendor was chased outside a church in Los Angeles. These actions create unease, impacting daily activities like work, school, and healthcare.
Activists and legal experts have noted a marked increase in calls to legal resource hotlines. For example, the Immigrant Defenders Law Center in LA reported a spike from 400 to 546 calls in January alone. Many callers are worried for detained loved ones. Yliana Johansen-Méndez, the center’s chief program officer, shared that although media attention has shifted, arrests have not decreased significantly.
Historically, ICE operations in LA would often take place in one location for a longer period. Now, they’re quicker and more discreet, often running in just a few minutes. This shift means fewer witnesses and less opportunity for legal observers or protesters to react.
In Portland, Oregon, tensions are high following past federal interventions. A recent incident where agents shot two people and detained a family seeking medical help has fueled further anxiety. Alyssa Walker Keller from the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition noted a significant drop in reported detentions, down to 79 calls in January compared to about 1,100 in late 2025 during heightened federal activity. Yet, the fear among community members persists.
Undocumented immigrants are hesitating to go to school or seek medical care for fear of detention. Some local organizations are stepping in, offering rights training to help people feel safer. Matthew Breeze, a doctor in Portland, emphasized the need for community trust, stating, “We can’t create an environment of fear.”
Charlotte, North Carolina has also seen a chilling effect. Andreina Malki from Siembra NC explained that while some aggressive street arrests have ceased, immigrants remain anxious while driving. They’re especially targeted during busy commute hours.
Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., the federal presence remains, with reports of continued immigration arrests, albeit at a somewhat reduced frequency compared to the spike seen after last summer’s crackdown. Austin Rose from the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights noted a gradual return to more targeted rather than random arrests, although many still live with the anxiety of possible detainment.
As these patterns evolve, the impact of immigration enforcement tactics is clear: communities are living under constant worry. Mutual aid networks are growing in response, as many people face loss of income and family separation due to arrests.
A recent lawsuit against warrantless immigration arrests resulted in a temporary injunction, raising the possibility of future legal changes. However, the aftereffects of these operations—fear, anxiety, and community disruption—will continue for years.
The landscape of immigration enforcement is changing. As strategies evolve and communities respond, the stories of those affected are vital. Ignoring the human side of these policies leads to loss far beyond statistics; it affects lives, families, and community ties.
For further information on immigration policies and community rights, check the Immigrant Defenders Law Center and Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition.
