Panic Grips Kenyans Living In The US Without Papers As Trump Mass Deportation Take Effect

Panic and anxiety are sweeping through the Kenyan diaspora in the United States following President Donald Trump’s recent policy initiatives aimed at deporting undocumented immigrants. Since his inauguration on January 20, 2025, Trump has issued a series of executive orders targeting immigration, including measures to end birthright citizenship and declaring a national emergency at U.S. borders.

According to notices on the Federal Register, these policies took effect on the evening of January 21, expanding the scope of immigration enforcement from the traditional 100-mile border area to nationwide. This shift means that “unauthorized” immigrants can now be apprehended and processed for deportation anywhere in the U.S., bypassing previous protocols where they would receive a notice to appear in immigration court.

Kenyan Ambassador David Kerich reported that approximately 250,000 Kenyans reside in the US, with significant concentrations in Minnesota, Texas, and California. However, the exact number of undocumented Kenyans remains unclear. “What we know is that the 250,000 number could be smaller but for the undocumented Kenyans, officially we may say there is none because they don’t come to us. They live as undercovers,” Kerich stated.

The rapid implementation of these policies has led to immediate actions, with the Trump administration already making 538 arrests by the end of January 24, and canceling refugee travel and processing, affecting thousands waiting to enter the US. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described these moves as “sending a very strong message” globally about immigration enforcement. “if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences.” She added.

The Pentagon plans to use US Air Force C-17s and C-130s to deport around 5,400 people currently detained by Customs and Border Protection over the next few weeks, as per media reports.

During his campaign, Trump promised stricter measures on illegal immigration. On his first day in office after taking oath, he signed executive orders declaring a “national emergency” at the southern border, which borders Mexico. The US president announced the deployment of additional troops, and pledged to deport “criminal aliens.”

The new Trump administration has vowed to conduct the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history.

The unauthorized immigrant population in the U.S stood at 11 million in 2022, according to a July 2024 report by think tank the Pew Research Center which made estimates based on the 2022 American Community Survey, the most recent available.

Americans largely support Trump’s mass deportation plans, but are divided on how they should be carried out.

A New York Times/Ipsos poll, which surveyed 2,128 adults from January 2 to 10, suggested 55 percent strongly or somewhat supported such plans. Eighty-eight percent supported “Deporting immigrant who are here illegally and have criminal records.” The poll had a margin of error of 2.6 percentage points in either direction.

A Reuters/Ipses poll, which surveyed 1,077 adults on January 20 and 21, suggested 39 percent agreed “illegal immigrants should be arrested and put in detention camps while awaiting deportation hearings,” comapred to 42 percent who disagreed. The online poll had a margin of error of about 4 percentage points.

An ICE update on X confirmed “538 arrests” and “373 detainers lodged.”

New Jersey Democratic Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim expressed concern over the Newark raid.

The Trump administration announced plans to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, requiring asylum seekers at the southern border to stay in Mexico while their applications are processed. It also halted an asylum program for people fleeing authoritarian regimes in Central and South America, leaving many stranded on the Mexican side of the border.

Earlier in the week, the Republican-led Congress approved a bill to expand pretrial detention for foreign criminal suspects.

Trump has described illegal migration as “poisoning the blood” of the nation, a statement criticized by opponents as having historical associations with Nazi Germany.

Kenyans reactions

Kenyans in the US are reacting with a mix of fear and proactive measures. Karanja Mburu from Illinois in an interview with local media noted the community’s response, “Deportation can be depressing and traumatizing… Many came here to chase their American dream; deporting them would attract serious implications.” The community is engaging in civic education, informing members of their rights, including not allowing immigration officers into their homes without a court order or warrant.

Dr. Saisi Marasa, President of the Kenya Diaspora Alliance-USA, commented on the practicality of these policies, suggesting that while the rhetoric might stir Trump’s base, the actual implementation would be challenging due to the enormous resources required. “The latest executive order is just populist rhetoric to please MAGA Republicans,” he stated, adding that the real impact might be in slowing down legal processes rather than mass deportations.

The policy has stirred diverse reactions within the Kenyan community. Maryann Wairimu from Texas criticized the approach as “inhumane, divisive, and costly,” highlighting the potential for family separations and community disruption. On the other hand, Nancy Githoitho, a Trump supporter from San Francisco, endorsed the policy, arguing it prioritizes national interests.

As the situation unfolds, the Kenyan community in the US is bracing for more changes, with many looking to both the Kenyan embassy for support and to legal advice to navigate this uncertain landscape. Ambassador Kerich assured that the embassy would handle cases on an individual basis, aiming to assist Kenyans to the best of their ability amidst this new era of immigration policy.