[The immigration policies have drastically changed since the inauguration of President Trump. Photo Credit: rawpixel]

In his first major policy action following the 2025 inauguration, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 20th that dramatically strengthens immigration enforcement across the United States. 

The order, titled “Protecting The American People Against Invasion,” targets undocumented immigrants, with Trump claiming they “present significant threats to national security and public safety, committing vile and heinous acts against innocent Americans.” 

The administration argues that the lenient immigration policies under President Biden led to increased illegal entry of people and criminal organizations, causing civil and criminal offenses that they say impact American safety.

Under the new order, many policies established by the previous administration will be rescinded.

A key component of the executive order directs the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to jointly establish the Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTFs) nationwide.

These task forces will focus on ending the criminal violations such as smuggling and trafficking, with particular attention to offenses involving children, which the order attributes to “criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations throughout the United States.” 

The order also expands the authority of  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to utilize ICE for removing undocumented individuals from the United States.

To increase the effectiveness of the executive order, the order calls for a substantial increase in the number of agents and officers to perform the duties.

Following the order’s implementation, ICE has begun conducting operations in locations previously considered safe havens, including schools, churches, and healthcare facilities.

These locations are no longer considered safe anymore because of the revocation of previous policies.

The policy could potentially affect an estimated 11 million undocumented people currently residing in the country.

As such worries began surfacing, educational institutions have begun addressing the changes.

For instance, Superintendent Graham Clark of Fremont Union High School District, a public high school district in California, addressed the issue in response to the executive order on January 23rd, via email to students and parents. 

Clark acknowledged the possibility of ICE visiting schools for undocumented immigrants, but will still protect all students, stating that, “Please know that we are committed to ensuring that every member of our school community feels supported and welcome in our schools. Our focus remains on ensuring students can focus on their education in a positive and caring environment, as all children have the right to equal access to a free public education that is free from discrimination, harassment and bullying.”

Discussion of the executive order spread rapidly across social media.

Young people are sharing videos about interactions with ICE including guidance on responding to home visits, across platforms like TikTok and Instagram reels.