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NEW YORK - "Jesus" (not his real name) has not gone to work for several days. He is employed in a building in Manhattan, New York, and is one of the thousands of undocumented immigrants being targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) amid the ongoing crackdown on illegal residents in the U.S. under the new administration of President Donald Trump.
According to Jesus, he campaigned for Trump during the last election.
He has lived in the U.S. for over two decades. His employer had previously filed a petition for him, but the company went bankrupt, halting the process of legalizing his status.
Jesus is a relative of one of the most powerful individuals in the Philippines, but he chose to remain in the U.S.
Now, he rarely leaves his room out of fear of being arrested by ICE, whose operations have intensified across nearly all U.S. states.
For weeks, Jesus has been unable to send money to his family in the Philippines.
“Earning a living here is important because there are people depending on me in the Philippines. If no one relied on me, I’d just go home. But my life is already here, and I’m still able to help those in need. We just have to accept that life is really hard back home.”
Fear
Jesus finds it difficult to go to work because of his fear of being arrested.
“It’s tough because you never know what will happen. Here in Queens, it can happen in an instant. How can you go to work if you suddenly find yourself surrounded by ICE?,” Jesus told GMA Integrated News in an exclusive interview.
Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement are also conducting operations in New York, entering homes and establishments reported to have undocumented immigrants.
“It’s really worrying because we don’t know what this country’s leader will enforce. I just hope he listens to us. We’re not criminals. We’re not thieves,” Jesus added.
![FALDEF Executive Director and Immigration Lawyer Licelle Cobrador discuss the ongoing crackdown on undocumented immigrants and strategies to support affected Filipinos. Photo by Dave Llavanes Jr.](https://images.gmanews.tv/webpics/2025/01/640_unnamed_(1)_2025_01_29_08_19_00.jpg)
'Know your rights'
The Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF) is currently working to assist and inform Filipinos about their rights.
According to FALDEF Executive Director and immigration lawyer Licelle Cobrador, it is crucial for those affected by the crackdown to understand their legal rights.
"Currently, FALDEF is conducting a ‘Know Your Rights’ series. Part of this is discussing the rights of undocumented immigrants. We explain what they need to consider, such as if someone knocks on their door claiming to be an ICE agent. They shouldn’t open the door unless the agents present proper documentation, like a warrant or a notice to appear. If there’s no valid document and they open the door, it becomes a problem because they allowed entry.”
Cobrador also advised Filipinos to always carry valid identification to avoid issues if they encounter ICE agents in public places.
“ICE agents can immediately arrest anyone unable to present valid identification. They will ask about their immigration status. If they cannot produce a green card or immigration papers, such as an employment authorization or approval notices proving their status, they will face problems. Without these documents, they could be detained.”
—VAL, GMA Integrated News