Deportations, violence, and a lack of respect for others. This is the Trump administration’s anti-immigration policy. Father Jorge Elías Ochoa, a Comboni missionary from Los Angeles, shares stories of fear and terror, as well as stories of deep faith in God.
At the beginning of this new administration, our people thought there would be changes that would promote life and respect for the values of people in society. But that hopeful dream has gradually faded into stories of fear and terror.
We never thought this government would introduce a policy of terror, sending immigration officials as if they were confronting criminals. They arrive hooded, violating every respect for the integrity of the people, disregarding pregnant women, elderly men, and people without a criminal past. The only crime they have committed is seeking a better life for themselves and their families.
Angelito is a 10-year-old boy who graduated with honours thanks to his dedication to his studies, a boy dedicated to participating every day, along with his two brothers, aged 15 and 18, in our community’s missionary rosary, a boy full of dreams and with the desire to be a missionary to help his fellow men.
One day, he surprised us by telling us he was afraid of losing his mother because of his immigration status, and he panicked, triggering an anxiety disorder that made us fear for his health. His mother, Leticia, comforted him, telling him not to worry, that everything would be fine. There are thousands of children who, like Angelito, wake up in the middle of the night, crying out of fear at hearing that their parents have been taken away and they are left alone. This situation is creating uncertainty in the lives of many children. Likewise, a feeling of helplessness and resentment toward those in power, especially politicians, is growing among young people.
I also visited the parish where we work with Hispanic immigrants, primarily from Mexico. Lourdes, a young woman, told me that she and her family felt scared, but at the same time, they realized they must not lose faith and trust in God, who is the one who has final control of their lives, and their future is in His hands. “We don’t have to be afraid because we’re not doing anything wrong, we just have to put our trust in God.
Maria also commented: “We are fearful; we feel persecuted, just like the people of Israel when they were slaves in Egypt and were pursued by the Pharaoh; in the same way, we feel persecuted by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement); we don’t know where to go, we feel aimless and directionless. This situation only creates anguish, sadness, and desperation.
Magdalena, another woman who has lived in this country for 18 years and who works and participates in the community, feels the same, which makes her very sad, not only for herself but also for all her friends, because fear is taking over their lives and this is forcing them not to go to work or church.
She told me that, as a woman of faith, they must never lose hope in God, because He cares for them and protects them. It is faith in God that helps you find peace and makes you feel safe. This story is not over. We can only continue to pray and accompany our people in this time of fear, sadness, and terror. We must have faith that everything will be okay and that sadness will turn into joy, fear into security, and faith will ensure that hope never disappears from our lives.
