Puerto Rico No Longer Safe Bet for Illegal Migrants as Trump Crackdown Expands to U.S. Territory

Puerto Rico, often perceived as a sanctuary for illegal immigrants, is now under increased scrutiny by the Trump administration. This U.S. island territory, which had long been a haven for bypassing immigration restrictions, is experiencing a significant shift as deportation operations escalate.

Since ramping up on Jan. 26, immigration authorities have arrested over 200 individuals in Puerto Rico. Among them, 149 have been identified as citizens of the Dominican Republic, according to data from U.S. Customs and Immigration. Jose Rodriguez, president of the Dominican Committee of Human Rights, described the resulting climate of fear, stating, "They're afraid to go out; they're afraid to take their children to school." This paints a grim picture of a once-thriving community now gripped by anxiety.

Historically, Puerto Rico had allowed illegal migrants to open bank accounts, obtain driver's licenses, and even start businesses. This leniency made it an attractive option for those seeking to avoid immigration enforcement. But as Lora Ries, director of the Heritage Foundation Border Security and Immigration Center, pointed out, such practices only "facilitated and prolonged" the problem. Allowing migrants to establish financial and social ties has often been used as a defense against deportation, she explained.

The recent immigration raids have shattered the perception of Puerto Rico as a safe zone, leaving many migrants questioning their future. Ries didn’t hold back on her views, emphasizing that illegal migrants took a calculated risk. "They knew they broke the law… don't try to shift responsibility to the U.S. government and then play victim," she said.

Puerto Rico is not alone in this narrative. Other U.S. territories, such as Guam, have reportedly served as entry points for migrants aiming to eventually reach the mainland. Some migrants, however, settle in these territories and later attempt to use their established lives as a shield against immigration enforcement.

Federal authorities have focused their efforts in Puerto Rico on individuals with criminal records or those who have received a final court order for removal. Despite this, there has been a notable surge in grassroots support for undocumented immigrants. Volunteers have stepped up to provide meals to families too afraid to leave their homes, while some local governments have sought to limit cooperation with federal agencies.

Ries argued that this mirrors the broader U.S. issue of so-called "sanctuary" jurisdictions, where local officials prioritize illegal immigrants over their own residents. "It's local officials not cooperating with federal agents… they need to do a better job representing their citizens," she asserted.

As of now, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has not commented on the situation. But one thing is clear: Puerto Rico's days as a presumed safe haven for illegal migrants are over, leaving many to grapple with the new reality.