Podcast Summary: The Daily – "Waiting for Immigration Raids, Again"
Episode Details:
- Title: Waiting for Immigration Raids, Again
- Release Date: January 17, 2025
- Hosts: Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise
- Published By: The New York Times
Introduction
In the episode titled "Waiting for Immigration Raids, Again," hosts Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise delve into the harrowing experiences of Herminia, an undocumented immigrant from Nicaragua. Through a deeply personal narrative, the podcast explores the emotional and psychological toll of immigration policies in the United States, especially under shifting administrations. The conversation sheds light on the fears and uncertainties faced by undocumented families amidst political turbulence.
Background: Herminia’s Journey
Herminia shares her immigration story, highlighting her arrival in the United States from Nicaragua at the age of 21 in 2000. Driven by the dire political situation in her home country and the aspiration to provide a better future for her daughter, Herminia sought refuge in the U.S. Unlike many migrants granted protective status, she arrived a year too late to qualify and has since lived with the constant threat of deportation.
Notable Quote:
"Ask someone that is undocumented in this country for more than two decades, you know, trying to do the right thing, paying taxes, working, raising my kids, and then someone come and, you know, threatening people like me."
— Herminia [03:32]
Living Under Threat: The Trump Era
In the summer of 2019, under President Trump’s administration, Herminia faced acute fear of deportation raids. The nationwide crackdown on undocumented immigrants intensified her anxiety, leading her to adopt stringent safety measures at home. She placed a large sign on her door advising visitors not to answer, reflecting the pervasive fear of being targeted.
Notable Quote:
"The window is down. You know, it's closed. The TV is going to be really low. The light in the living room is going to be off."
— Herminia [03:55]
Despite the fear, Herminia was never arrested. Her two daughters, however, became U.S. citizens, while she and her husband remained undocumented, continuously striving to legalize their status without success.
Transition to the Biden Administration: A Flicker of Hope
With President Biden’s election, Herminia experienced a momentary sense of relief. Believing in Biden's promise of a more humane approach to immigration, she removed the protective sign from her door and felt a newfound sense of security.
Notable Quote:
"I felt protected. I knew that even if I have immigration in front of me, nothing was going to happen to me."
— Herminia [06:42]
Herminia resumed normal activities, including traveling within the country, believing that the administration shift had altered her precarious standing.
Emerging Backlash and Shifting Public Opinion
However, Herminia soon sensed a change in American public sentiment towards immigration. As border crossings surged under Biden’s policies, particularly in New York, frustration among both the public and undocumented immigrants began to surface. This backlash, Herminia feared, was a precursor to harsher immigration enforcement.
Notable Quote:
"Everything was out of control. We can't be blind because it's the truth."
— Herminia [12:14]
She observed that even long-term undocumented residents were growing resentful of newer immigrants, feeling that they were being unfairly treated despite their years of contribution and integration.
Anticipating a Second Trump Presidency
Predicting the political tide, Herminia expressed her conviction that Donald Trump would win the upcoming election, capitalizing on the mounting frustration over immigration. His platform of mass deportations resonated with the disillusioned public, particularly in communities with significant immigrant populations like Miami Dade.
Notable Quote:
"I knew Trump was gonna win. Because in this community, is a lot of Venezuelans, Nicaraguans, and Cubans. So as I always say, they missing dictatorship. They missing to live in a dictatorship."
— Herminia [13:34]
Upon Trump’s decisive victory, Herminia felt a renewed terror of deportation, compounded by witnessing close friends support policies that endangered her and her family.
Impact on Community and Personal Relationships
Herminia detailed the strain within her community and personal relationships as Trump’s rhetoric intensified. Friends and even close companions began distancing themselves, prioritizing self-preservation over solidarity.
Notable Quote:
"I have a friend. I have a very close friend. And after the election, I found out that he voted for Trump... How come you're gonna do that to me?"
— Herminia [15:35]
This betrayal underscored the isolation she felt, as those around her supported policies that threatened her very existence in the U.S.
Preparing for Uncertain Futures
Facing the imminent threat of renewed deportation raids, Herminia grapples with difficult decisions about her family’s future. While her children have assimilated and aspired to stay in the U.S., Herminia contemplates the possibility of leaving to protect them from potential fallout.
Notable Quote:
"I'm gonna stay here until the day they catch me. I'm gonna stay here until something happened. But hopefully nothing happened."
— Herminia [20:44]
She wrestles with balancing her desire to remain in a country she loves against the looming fear of losing her family to forced deportations.
Psychological Toll and Coping Mechanisms
The constant anxiety has manifested in recurring nightmares and emotional distress for Herminia. Her coping strategies include isolating herself from public spaces and altering daily routines to minimize risk, such as ceasing to attend church and limiting outings.
Notable Quote:
"I have nightmares that they catch my husband, and I see my kids crying... I pray. Sometimes I work and I'm overthinking and I start crying."
— Herminia [21:52]
Future Prospects and Resilience
Despite the bleak outlook, Herminia remains steadfast in her love for the United States and her gratitude for the opportunities it has provided her family. She contemplates leaving on her own terms to preserve her dignity, yet fears that her children may not wish to abandon their established lives.
Notable Quote:
"I will not have negative feelings of Americans... I love this country. I love USA. I am very grateful with this country."
— Herminia [28:13]
Her resilience shines through as she prioritizes her family's well-being, even as she faces the possibility of an uncertain future.
Conclusion
"Waiting for Immigration Raids, Again" poignantly captures the relentless anxiety and resilience of undocumented immigrants like Herminia. Through her story, the podcast underscores the profound human impact of immigration policies and the shifting political landscapes that dictate the lives of millions. Herminia's narrative serves as a testament to the enduring hope and strength of those navigating the precarious balance between fear and aspiration in their pursuit of a better life.
Credits:
- Producer: Jessica Chung
- Editor: Devin Taylor
- Research Assistant: Susan Lee
- Music: Alicia Ba? Itube, Rowie Nymisto, Pat McCusker
- Engineering: Alyssa Moxley
- Theme Music: Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsberg of Wonderly
Additional Notes:
- The episode avoids promotional content, focusing solely on Herminia’s personal experiences and perspectives.
- Sponsored advertisements and external content segments have been excluded from this summary to maintain focus on the central narrative.