Native America Calling: New pressures instill fear in Indigenous immigrants

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Native America Calling: New pressures instill fear in Indigenous immigrants

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

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New pressures instill fear in Indigenous immigrants

The increase in highly-publicized deportations is unnerving both undocumented and documented migrants in the United States.

Indigenous people from other countries, some who have visas or are awaiting decisions from immigration proceedings, are among those caught up in the Trump Administration’s focus on mass deportations. Many of those who remain say they live in fear of being apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The New York Times reports immigration actions appear to have ramped up in May. The top deportation destination are Guatemala and Honduras, places where Indigenous people are fleeing violence and poverty.

Join Native America Calling to talk with people working with migrants about what is happening on the ground and what is different than actions in the past.

An enforcement operation. Photo: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Guests on Native America Calling

Juanita (Mam Nation), director of the International Mayan League

Nola (Q’eqchi’), Maya Q’eqchi’, Spanish, and English Interpreter

Danny Chrisney (Maya K’iche descent), managing attorney of Wilner O’Reilly office in Phoenix, Arizona

Dr. David Martinez (Gila River Indian Community, Akimel O’odham), professor of American Indian studies and transborder studies and the director and founder of the Institute for Transborder Indigenous Nations at Arizona State University