Fears of Deportation Hinder Reporting of Domestic Violence Among Immigrants
A tragic incident in Utah this July, where a man set his home on fire, resulted in the deaths of himself, his partner Jaimar Bravo Gil, and their children. The family, originally from Venezuela, had relocated to the U.S. Bravo Gil’s relatives revealed that her partner exhibited a history of violence, which she endured in silence due to concerns over deportation. This fear is shared by other immigrant women, as evidenced by at least two other cases this summer where women were killed by intimate partners and refrained from seeking police assistance due to their undocumented status.
A range of professionals, including attorneys, advocates, and law enforcement officials, are voicing concerns about the climate of fear within immigrant communities. This fear leads many to remain in abusive situations rather than risk deportation. Although challenges have always existed for undocumented victims seeking to escape abuse, recent policies have left them significantly more vulnerable.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not respond to requests for comment.
Policy Changes Affecting Immigrant Victims
DHS has repealed protections that previously prevented immigration enforcement in sensitive locations, such as domestic violence shelters and hospitals. Enforcement at courthouses is now permitted.
This policy shift has deterred domestic violence victims from seeking necessary medical care, shelter, or legal protection. Reports indicate that immigration officers have been making arrests at courthouses, sometimes using force. A survey of over 170 legal advocates found that 70% of clients are hesitant to attend court due to their abuser’s involvement.
Some areas, like Cook County, Illinois, are taking measures against such arrests. Legislation has been passed to prohibit civil ICE arrests at state courthouses.
ICE raids have also affected shelters in places like Los Angeles and elsewhere. In one case, an abused woman delayed hospital treatment for two days, fearing immigration enforcement, until reassured by her attorney.
The Laken Riley Act mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants accused of specific crimes, potentially including domestic violence victims.
This legislation often results in victims being detained alongside their abusers or being wrongfully reported by their abusers. Previously, victims could argue their cases in criminal court, but now they must do so from within detention facilities, even if charges are dropped.
Collaboration between local police and ICE has increased, with financial incentives for such partnerships.
The Trump administration’s push for local police involvement in immigration enforcement has led to a surge in ICE-related referrals, as seen in Houston, where calls have increased by over 1,000%. Victims are often warned about potential deportation risks when reporting abuse.
Domestic violence organizations face funding challenges due to changing federal grant conditions.
New policies require organizations to avoid promoting certain ideologies and prioritize citizens over immigrants. Legal challenges have temporarily blocked funding restrictions, but cuts are already affecting resources, as demonstrated by the cessation of immigrant legal aid in Tennessee.
Social safety nets for immigrants have been reduced, increasing their vulnerability.
Unauthorized immigrants are now restricted from accessing programs like Head Start. Legislation has also limited certain lawful immigrants’ eligibility for SNAP, Medicaid, and other benefits. These cuts exacerbate vulnerabilities, leaving many immigrants more susceptible to abuse.
Potential changes to protective visas are causing concern.
Special visas, such as U visas for crime victims and T visas for trafficking victims, remain crucial for immigrants. However, lengthy processing times and recent deportation cases of applicants have raised alarms. Proposals exist to eliminate these visas, which predominantly support immigrant women.
Despite these challenges, advocates emphasize that help is still available. Confidential hotlines, shelters, and legal aid provide crucial support for those seeking to escape abuse. Legal protections remain in place, and remote services are expanding to assist victims.
Casey Swegman from the Tahirih Justice Center reassures survivors, stating, “We are ready to serve folks, and no survivor should feel like there isn’t help out there.”
