Trump Administration Argues It Can Hold Dreamers Indefinitely
EL PASO, TEXAS - The Trump administration is arguing that it can hold DACA recipients indefinitely in immigration detention facilities, a move that has sparked concerns among immigration experts and advocates.
Catalina "Xochitl" Santiago, a 28-year-old immigration activist and DACA recipient, has spent over 50 days in immigration detention at an El Paso processing facility. Despite being a lawful permanent resident of the United States, her attorneys claim that the administration is attempting to run out the clock on her status until it expires and she can be deported.
According to Santiago's brother, Jose, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), "She's holding on." ICE officials have not commented on the specifics of Santiago's case, but a spokesperson confirmed that she is being held in immigration detention pending deportation proceedings.
Immigration experts warn that the administration's tactics could be used as a backdoor to expel DACA recipients, who are protected from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The program offers temporary protection from deportation to some formerly undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children.
"This is a clear attempt by the administration to circumvent the law and target vulnerable populations," said Maria Rodriguez, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center. "The administration's actions are a stark reminder that DACA recipients remain at risk of deportation despite their lawful status."
The Trump administration has been criticized for its handling of immigration cases, with many advocates accusing officials of using detention as a means to pressure individuals into leaving the country voluntarily.
Santiago's case is not an isolated incident. According to data from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC), a Syracuse University research center that tracks immigration enforcement activity, ICE has increased its use of detention facilities in recent years, with many cases involving DACA recipients.
The administration's stance on DACA has been a contentious issue since 2017, when President Trump announced plans to end the program. A federal court ultimately blocked the move, but the program remains under threat from ongoing litigation and policy changes.
As Santiago's case continues to unfold, advocates are calling on the administration to release her and other DACA recipients from detention facilities. "We urge the administration to prioritize due process and respect for the law," said Rodriguez. "DACA recipients have a right to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their immigration status."
The outcome of Santiago's case remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Trump administration's actions have sparked widespread concern among advocates and experts who fear that the administration's tactics could have far-reaching consequences for DACA recipients across the country.
Background
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was introduced in 2012 by President Barack Obama to provide temporary protection from deportation to some formerly undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children.
In 2017, President Trump announced plans to end the DACA program, but a federal court blocked the move after advocates challenged the administration's decision.
The program remains under threat from ongoing litigation and policy changes.
International Perspective
Similar immigration policies have been implemented in other countries, including Australia and Canada, which have faced criticism for their handling of asylum seekers and migrant populations.
The European Union has also grappled with issues related to migration and border control, with some member states implementing stricter policies to deter migrants from entering the continent.
Next Developments
Santiago's case is ongoing, with her attorneys continuing to advocate for her release from detention.
Advocates are calling on the administration to prioritize due process and respect for the law in handling DACA cases.
*Reporting by Theintercept.*
