C@R and other advocates highlight the imminent harm to millions of undocumented individuals and mixed-status families as the new administration fulfills its anti-immigration campaign promises

TEXAS (January 23, 2025) — On its first day in office, the Trump administration unleashed a wave of sweeping immigration reforms via executive orders, sparking deep concern among advocates for the well-being of Texas children and families. President Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico Border, reinstated the Remain in Mexico policy, and issued executive orders aimed at intensifying anti-immigration enforcement efforts.

In response to these policy changes, CHILDREN AT RISK will convene with fellow advocates and immigration experts on Thursday, January 23, at 10 A.M. to address the devastating implications for Texas families and communities. Texas is home to nearly 3 million children of immigrants, representing 11% of all children in the nation. Hispanic Texans, who make up over 40% of all kids in Texas, are particularly at risk of being targeted by racial profiling and enforcement actions.

Adding to these concerns, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced plans for targeted immigration raids in sanctuary cities such as San Antonio, Chicago, Boston, Miami, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Denver, and New York. These operations, set to begin as early as January 21, are poised to exacerbate the harm caused by the administration’s sweeping policies. Immigration advocates are deeply concerned about the immense potential for harm created by this new policy environment.

“In no world could this be considered ‘common sense’ policy,” said Dr. Bob Sanborn, president and CEO of CHILDREN AT RISK. “With over a third of Texas children being immigrants or children of immigrants, these executive orders don’t just affect families—they undermine the very fabric of our communities.”

Executive Orders Signed on Inauguration Day

Among the orders signed, the following are of critical concern to advocates:

• Mass Deportations:
  • Revokes Biden enforcement priorities which help guide ICE and CBP to focus on national security threats, Trump has now cast a wide net of undocumented immigrants that will be targeted.
  • Instructs DHS to apply Expedited Removal and similar procedures that lack due process to individuals present in the U.S. for less than two years, currently DHS can only apply expedited removal to people stopped by the government within 100 miles of the border and during their first 14 days in the United States.
  • Seeks to expand criminal prosecution of families crossing the border, these prosecutions led to family separation under Trump’s first administration.
  • Encourages DHS to take all possible actions to expand and use the immigration detention system.
  • Non-profit killer provision: takes aim at families, community members and organizations that “facilitate the presence of immigrants by threatening civil fines and penalties.” Also orders the Attorney General and DHS to review and audit federal grants and contracts with non-government organizations that support or provide services to undocumented immigrants.
  • Seeks to limit the use of temporary protected status and parole, affecting many who have lived with this status for decades.
  • State and local law enforcement as agents: empowers state and local law enforcement agencies across the country to perform the functions of an immigration officer in the interior of the U.S.
• EO Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern U.S. Border: Declares a state of emergency at the Southern Border, unlocking Pentagon resources to bolster anti-immigration measures.

• EO Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship: Ends the automatic approval process under the 14^th Amendment of birthright citizenship to individuals whose parents were undocumented.

Advocates warn that this federal rescission of protective policies will impact more than just the immigrant community. These orders will have long-standing repercussions on child and family well-being, academic achievement, community health, and Texas’ future economic prosperity.

“When we experience major shifts in our immigration laws, knowledge is power,” said Anne Chandler, founder and executive director of Texas Immigration Law Council.  “We urge everyone to stay calm, know your rights, and seek accurate, timely information. This is a time for solidarity, preparation, and resilience. Together, we will navigate these shifts in immigration policy and keep families together.”