Hotline Launched to Report ICE Deportations

 

An Arizona-based advocacy group has launched a hotline for individuals to report Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportations in the Phoenix area.

The move comes after President Donald Trump's return to office, where he vowed to implement a strict immigration agenda, resulting in ICE raids and deportations across the country. These policies have created tensions between the U.S. government and sanctuary states and cities.

Puente Arizona, a grassroots organization that supports immigrant communities, introduced the hotline to alert individuals about Border Patrol activity, counter misinformation, and prevent families from being separated. The group's director, Natally Cruz, explained to azcentral that the hotline helps warn people of ICE or Border Patrol presence through text alerts, directs teams to inform individuals of their rights, and documents any arrests.

Cruz explained that when ICE activity is confirmed, the group shares the information with other organizations, who then spread it on social media to help community members avoid the area. The hotline number is 480-506-7437.

Trump, since taking office, has promised to carry out the largest mass deportation effort in U.S. history. His administration has pushed forward with a series of over 100 executive orders, including declaring a national emergency at the border, ending birthright citizenship for the children of illegal immigrants born in the U.S., taking action against sanctuary cities and states, and mobilizing the military to build border barriers.

In the first 48 hours following Trump's inauguration, the hotline received more than 70 calls and messages. Cruz noted that these reports helped identify an ICE arrest in Maryvale, a Phoenix neighborhood with a large Latino immigrant population.

On Friday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that "deportation flights have begun," releasing images of individuals boarding a military aircraft, emphasizing that illegal entry into the U.S. would result in severe consequences.

Tom Homan, tasked with overseeing the deportation efforts, reported that ICE made 308 arrests across the country within the first two days of the new administration, with 538 more arrests confirmed later that week.

Between October 2023 and September 2024, ICE had a daily average of 310 arrests and 409 detentions, though the previous administration did not typically publicize these actions. Homan emphasized that the focus would be on individuals with serious or violent criminal histories. However, the looming threat of widespread raids has left many undocumented individuals feeling fearful about leaving their homes or attending essential appointments.

In light of the arrests, U.S. citizens, including Native Americans, have been advised to carry identification.

Cruz noted that while ICE has focused on individuals with deportation orders, no large-scale raids have been confirmed in the area. She stressed that the safety of families and children was the group's top priority, highlighting the trauma and terror many in the community experienced under previous immigration crackdowns.

Tom Homan defended ICE's actions, stating that the agency is prioritizing its efforts and following the president's directives. He assured that ICE's operations would continue daily.

ICE raids and deportations are expected to maintain a steady pace under the Trump administration. A January 20 executive order outlined the government's plan to ensure the enforcement of final deportation orders, emphasizing the protection of public safety and national security.