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The inauguration of the US President Donald Trump has sparked significant controversy among Kenyans, both domestically and in the diaspora, primarily due to concerns regarding immigration policies.
Reports of individuals "snitching"—reporting undocumented Kenyans to the US authorities have gained traction on social media, raising fears among many regarding potential repercussions and calls from the Home Office to examine these claims. Emerging discussions online indicate that some individuals are reportedly being incentivized with payments of $750 (approximately 105,000 Kenyan Shillings) for information about the locations of undocumented immigrants.
However, as of now, there is no verified evidence or documentation confirming that people have been summoned to the Home Office for this purpose. Despite the absence of concrete proof, anecdotal accounts of betrayal have led to a growing sentiment among many Kenyans, who perceive these actions as a breach of community trust.
This controversy coincides with President Trump’s intensified efforts to address illegal immigration. On January 20, 2024, he declared illegal immigration a national emergency, announcing executive orders that involved military support for border security, a sweeping ban on asylum, and restrictions on citizenship for children born on US soil.
Following these directives, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a national operation resulting in the arrest of 538 individuals over a 33-hour period. Additionally, ICE issued 373 detainer requests to local jails to hold individuals beyond their scheduled release dates while determining their eligibility for deportation proceedings.
In reaction to the crackdown, some Kenyans online have advised those facing potential deportation to consider relocating to sanctuary states—areas where policies are in place to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. States like California and New York offer certain protections by prohibiting local law enforcement from inquiring about a person's immigration status or detaining them solely based on that status.
However, it's important to note that while these sanctuary states may provide some level of safety, they cannot completely mitigate the broader challenges posed by Trump’s immigration policies. The looming threat of deportation persists, compounded by emotional distress stemming from perceived betrayal within their communities.
What's "home office"?