Belizean Student in U.S. Speaks Out on Fear Amid Immigration Crackdown

A Belizean student living in the United States has shared his fears about life under the Trump-era immigration policies. He describes a climate of fear that has reshaped how he and many others live their daily lives. The student, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, has lived in the U.S. for more than 11 years and is currently based in Long Beach, California.

He described a heavy emotional toll as federal immigration enforcement ramps up across cities like Los Angeles and Las Vegas, where many of his family members reside. “They’re all citizens… and even they are worried also about what can happen whenever they step out,” he said. “It is just heartbroken to see families just going through all of this… seeing their crying parents that [get] snatched away and the kids just leave there. Parentless. It’s a very sad situation.”

In light of the increased raids and deportations, he said his own lifestyle has drastically changed. “Festival, large crowds are a no for me… Caribbean events are all off-limits for me until I feel comfortable to be around people and safe again,” he explained. “If restaurants are not safe for you to even eat with your family, then it’s a no.”

The student said that fear of being stopped, even with legal status, is widespread. “We all just have to be careful… small little things, they’re looking for a reason to just snatch you and deport you. And when you get deported, you don’t know where you’re going.”

He said that immigration enforcement is affecting everyone, regardless of status. “Not even students are safe on campus… student visas are getting revoked. People are getting sent back to their origin countries for apparent no reason,” he said. “This has stopped me a lot from pursuing my education.”

Though he currently feels relatively safe in Long Beach, he recounted the chaos happening nearby: “They raid all over the places…Home Depots, Italian restaurants, Mexican restaurants, even on buses. People are heading to work, they’re snatching them out. It’s just unlawful.”

He warned that no one is exempt: “Legal, illegal, citizens, green card holders…everyone is at risk… Your Latin features…once looked at a certain way you will get snatched up and deported.”

His legal status is currently being handled by an attorney, and he continues to pay out of pocket for his education while trying to stay afloat amid the uncertainty. “It’s a scary moment for a lot of people here in America,” he said. “Your life and livelihood can [be] cut just like that in seconds.”