In a recent conversation about our work for the Migrant Ministry, a young woman overhearing us responded, “What?! People are still being deported?! There is nothing about that in the news!” Her friends were equally shocked.
The sad truth is that, according to the Deportation Data Project, deportations by ICE are soaring, averaging about 1,200 deportations per day in August. Almost 51,000 arrests occurred that month, with a goal of 3,000 arrests/day. Unlike last fall, the arrests are now targeted, taking place at worksites, courthouses, traffic stops, and airports. More than 70% of those arrested have no criminal record. While in detention, migrants are pressured to voluntarily self-deport to escape inhumane and unhealthy conditions.
Last summer’s One Big Beautiful Bill provided billions of dollars for immigration enforcement and detention, leading to more agents and the expansion of detention facilities. Immigrants under Temporary Protective Status or Humanitarian Parole lost their status when the Trump Administration terminated the programs. The result has created widespread fear among migrant and mixed-status communities.
When we began the Migrant Ministry in the fall of 2022, the atmosphere was positive and life-giving as we welcomed the migrants. We took great joy in helping them with what they needed to start their new lives in America. They were exceedingly grateful, and hopeful.
Now we are accompanying migrants as they prepare to shut down those dreams in case they are deported to the countries they were forced to flee. They are encouraged to secure their children’s health and school records, and proof of their employment and consistent payment of their rent. One of the most difficult tasks is filling out the forms necessary to assign temporary custody of their children to a trusted person in case they are detained. While they do not want to be separated from their children, they also do not want them languishing in a prison.
One of us is the assigned temporary custody of five children from two different families, both of which are thriving here. All four parents are employed and their children are doing well in school, playing on local soccer teams, excited about Halloween. But the families are at risk because of the color of their skin and ICE’s determination to meet deportation goals.
We know that young people get their news from different sources than older people, primarily from social media. And if they read something of interest, they will go deeper to trusted sources to learn more. If you have such a person in your household, you might suggest they look for more information in ProPublica or National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC).
We continue to hold all detainees and deportees in our prayers. We ask that you do the same.
Celine Woznica and Margie Rudnik are members of the leadership team of the interfaith Migrant Ministry sponsored by the Catholic Communities of Oak Park. For more information, email immigrantministry@gmail.com.