Immigrant Communities Brace for Uncertainty as Trump Takes Office

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Hours after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, immigrant communities in Northern California expressed fear and uncertainty about their future. Organizations advocating for immigrant rights reported a surge in calls from concerned residents, many of whom are bracing for potential changes in immigration policies.

María, a Sacramento resident who has lived and worked in the U.S. for 33 years, shared her concerns with KCRA. “We’re immigrants, and we come here to work. We don’t come here to steal anyone’s job or to hurt anyone,” she said. During Trump’s first term, María joined an organization that helped her learn her rights and advocate for herself and the immigrant community. Now, with Trump’s second term underway, more people like her are seeking guidance.

“There’s a lot of confusion and fear because people are hearing rumors that all these different executive orders are going to happen, but there’s no clarity yet on exactly what those look like,” said Autumn Gonzales, a volunteer with NorCal Resist. “So people are kind of bracing for the worst.”

NorCal Resist, an organization that has been active for nearly a decade, has seen a significant increase in calls following recent immigration enforcement operations in the Central Valley. The group has been distributing wallet-sized pamphlets with “Know Your Rights” information and encouraging people to call their hotline for support.

“Our message is really always power, not panic,” Gonzales explained. “Instead of becoming scared and going into the shadows, we want to really educate ourselves and stand together to protect one another.”

NorCal Resist is part of Sacramento’s FUEL Network, a coalition of over 80 nonprofits that provide legal aid and other support to immigrant and refugee populations. The organization is also hosting informational sessions to help residents understand their rights and prepare for potential challenges ahead.

As the Trump administration begins its second term, immigrant communities across the country are preparing for what may come. In Chicago, organizations like the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) are holding “Know Your Rights” workshops to equip immigrants with critical information. “When people are interacting with immigration agents, if they do so in the wrong way, they can get themselves in trouble,” said Fred Tsao, senior policy counsel at ICIRR. “We want to make sure that people know what their rights are and feel comfortable being able to exercise them.”

Despite the uncertainty, advocates emphasize the importance of staying informed and connected. “People are not alone,” Tsao said. “There are family members, institutions, organizations that can provide assistance, support, and help.”