Brazilian migrants in the United States are reportedly using WhatsApp to share real-time information about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, aiming to avoid deportation. According to the Brazilian news outlet G1, these migrants act as “sentries,” monitoring ICE activities and alerting others in group chats. Many are staying home, keeping their children from school, and skipping work due to fear of detention.
One Brazilian migrant, who spoke anonymously to G1, lives in Florida and works in construction. He has two children and fears deportation because of his undocumented status. Through WhatsApp, he and others remain updated on ICE operations, attempting to steer clear of trouble.
“There are days when the police play it down, there are days when it’s ‘bullshit,’” the man said, describing the tense atmosphere among migrants. He recounted an incident where ICE stopped in front of a friend’s condominium and detained several individuals. This ongoing fear has made daily life “complicated” and “very tense.”
The anxiety extends to the potential separation from their children, as the migrant explained the difficulty of finding someone to care for them if he were detained. “The fear is leaving the children behind. Who will the children stay with?” he questioned, highlighting the trust issues within their community.
André Simões, project manager at Boston’s Brazilian Worker Center, shared with G1 that they’ve received numerous calls for help. Many migrants seek financial assistance, choosing to stay home as a “first protective measure.” WhatsApp serves as a crucial tool for triggering alerts about ICE presence.
According to Simões, Brazilian communities rely heavily on WhatsApp for communication. “The community uses WhatsApp a lot to communicate,” he noted, explaining how it helps them stay informed about ICE activities in their neighborhoods. This has resulted in migrants avoiding leaving their homes.
A Brazilian teacher in Massachusetts, also speaking anonymously, revealed that student absences have surged by 50 percent since President Donald Trump took office. Students express their fears about ICE, seeking reassurance from teachers. “We see the fear in the children’s eyes,” she said.
Teachers are noticing a significant increase in absences. This has impacted their responsibilities, as they are accountable for monitoring student attendance. The teacher commented on the widespread fear among immigrant students.
Data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security estimated that around 230,000 Brazilians were unlawfully residing in the U.S. in 2022. This group ranks as the eighth largest in the DHS statistics. During Joe Biden’s administration, there was a notable surge in Brazilian detentions at the southern border.
Since Donald Trump assumed the presidency, 199 Brazilians have been deported back to Brazil. The first deportation flight carried 88 individuals, sparking outrage from Brazilian officials over the treatment of deportees. They criticized the use of handcuffs and ankle restraints as “degrading.”
The flight, initially destined for Belo Horizonte, had to detour to Manaus due to technical issues. Brazilian authorities opposed the use of restraints, causing a delay. Eventually, the deportees were transported to Belo Horizonte via a Brazilian Air Force plane.
Brazil’s radical leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva intervened, demanding explanations from the U.S. embassy. The Brazilian Foreign Ministry summoned ambassador Gabriel Escobar to address the situation. Escobar promised to investigate the flight conditions.
A second deportation flight recently arrived in Fortaleza, carrying 111 Brazilian deportees. The restraints were reportedly removed before landing. Fortaleza was chosen for its proximity to the U.S., minimizing the time deportees were restrained.
This ongoing situation underscores the challenges faced by Brazilian migrants in the U.S. Conservatives argue for the enforcement of immigration laws to maintain order. The use of technology like WhatsApp highlights the lengths to which migrants go to avoid deportation.
Brittany Mays is a dedicated mother and passionate conservative news and opinion writer. With a sharp eye for current events and a commitment to traditional values, Brittany delivers thoughtful commentary on the issues shaping today’s world. Balancing her role as a parent with her love for writing, she strives to inspire others with her insights on faith, family, and freedom.
