SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — As immigration raids escalate across Puerto Rico, the sense of security that long allowed undocumented immigrants to thrive on the island is evaporating. Once permitted to maintain bank accounts and special driver’s licenses, many are now rattled by the large-scale arrests initiated on January 26, 2025, under a policy by President Donald Trump aimed at deporting millions of undocumented individuals.
Pastor Nilka Marrero is taking matters into her own hands, preparing her parishioners who often find themselves in vulnerable positions due to their immigration status. She role-plays as a federal agent in her church, striving to educate them on the dangers they face. “They appear and snatch people,” she stated, reflecting on the recent upheaval in her community. Her message is direct: the stakes are high, and being prepared is crucial amid a changing landscape.
Amid the crackdown, Puerto Rican officials and civil leaders are expressing their outrage. Since January, more than 200 individuals have been arrested, just over half of whom are Dominican. Many find themselves fearful of going about their daily lives, with reports of absentee rates climbing to 70% among Dominican students in schools across the island, prompting concerns for the impact on children’s education.
The stark transformation in the Dominican community illustrates the toll these immigration policies are taking. Ricardo Perez, a Dominican barber who has lived in Puerto Rico for over 20 years, described a slowdown in his business due to the raids. Families that once frequented his shop have grown hesitant to appear in public places. He lamented, “It’s heartbreaking to see how this policy affects people’s daily lives.”
One community member, referred to as “the fisherman,” shared his sorrowful narrative of arrest. He had moved to Puerto Rico in 2014 to afford medical treatment for his wife battling breast cancer back in the Dominican Republic. On the fateful day of January 26, while he waited in a van with his son, federal agents detained him along with several others. With his son now in a Miami jail, he is left grappling with the pain of separation and uncertainty. “We’re torn apart,” he shared deeply troubled.
As unrest brews, local leaders are stepping up efforts to support affected families. In Aguadilla, a town often visited by undocumented migrants, Mayor Julio Roldán Concepción has publicly stated, “Any undocumented migrant can come by city hall if they need help.” Furthermore, various non-profit organizations and churches have mobilized to provide food, legal, and medical assistance. The Episcopal Church has launched a program that aims to offer both legal and psychological support for those affected by the raids. “The church is never going to be against a law, but it will oppose its effects,” said Bishop Rafael Morales Maldonado, underscoring a compassionate response to a divisive issue.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security maintains that their focus is on individuals with a criminal record or who have received a court order for deportation. However, uncertainty looms over the virtually undocumented individuals caught up in this net. Notably, Annette Martínez, director of Puerto Rico’s ACLU, voiced her concerns about the ambiguity surrounding the detainment processes. “We’re concerned about the different methods ICE is using for detainment,” she asserted.
The atmosphere has changed dramatically, especially in neighborhoods formerly vibrant with Dominican culture. One barbershop that used to fill the air with laughter and music is now fear-stricken. “There’s no more lively merengue music; it’s just... silence,” lamented a local resident.
Adding to the fallout, a migrant worker who has faced deportation after years of seeking better opportunities in Puerto Rico revealed how precarious his situation has become. Having worked in construction, he lost his job after being reported by a disgruntled client. “How can people want to hurt someone so much?” he asked rhetorically, reflecting the anguish permeating the immigrant experience.
Pastor Marrero continues her mission despite the ongoing turmoil. She teaches families to organize necessary documents and prepare for interactions with immigration authorities. “We have prepared them for an honorable, dignified return,” she firmly stated. The fear and confusion that have spread throughout the community highlight the pressing need for support as local leaders wrestle with the implementation of federal policies.
As federal raids continue, the resilience of Puerto Rico’s immigrant community faces a critical test. While officials urge for understanding and compassion, a careful balancing act of law enforcement and humanitarian aid emerges. The future of countless families rests on the precarious line between legal status and community support.
Faced with these challenges, leaders across Puerto Rico remain committed to aiding undocumented families while navigating a landscape reshaped by federal immigration policies. The resolve of local officials exemplifies a determined stance toward adversity, reflecting a wider call for empathy and solidarity in the face of crisis.
