Fear Grips Undocumented Bangladeshi Immigrants Amid Trump’s Executive Orders: Four Arrested in New York

Undocumented Bangladeshis face uncertainty as immigration crackdowns intensify across the U.S. under Trump administration.

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Fear Grips Undocumented Bangladeshi Immigrants Amid Trump’s Executive Orders: Four Arrested in New York

Undocumented immigrants, including those from the Bangladeshi community, are experiencing heightened fear and uncertainty following a wave of executive orders issued by Donald Trump. Since taking office as the 47th President of the United States, Trump has signed over 100 immigration-related executive orders, sparking nationwide crackdowns on undocumented individuals.

The latest incident occurred in New York's Brooklyn borough, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested four undocumented Bangladeshi men in the Fulton area. Witnesses reported that ICE agents, dressed in plain clothes, approached the individuals and demanded identification.

According to Khadija Muntaha Ruba, an attorney advocating for immigrant rights, the arrests highlight the growing risks for undocumented immigrants in the U.S. "These individuals were socializing when ICE officers detained them, targeting them due to their undocumented status," she stated.

One witness recounted the incident under anonymity, saying, "We were hanging out in Fulton when a group of plainclothes officers suddenly approached us and demanded ID. When one person refused, citing his Fifth Amendment rights, he was arrested. Later, three others were also detained nearby."

Tougher Policies Under Trump

Since his inauguration, Trump has reversed 78 executive orders from the Biden era and signed 47 new orders targeting undocumented immigrants. These measures include stringent border security, the cessation of programs granting legal status, and a controversial executive order ending birthright citizenship for undocumented immigrants’ children, set to take effect in 30 days.

Trump defended these policies during his inauguration, stating, “Millions of illegal entrants have crossed our borders and engaged in criminal activities. We will secure our borders and remove offenders.”

The policy changes have already led to emergency measures along the Mexico border, with heightened security and stricter enforcement. For undocumented immigrants from countries like Bangladesh who entered the U.S. via South American routes, these pathways are now entirely closed.

Attorney Raju Mahajan warned, “Bangladeshis could face significant challenges under these new orders. Diversity hiring policies that once favored immigrants have been replaced with merit-based criteria, potentially resulting in widespread job losses.”

Impact on the Bangladeshi Community

The Bangladeshi diaspora in the U.S., particularly in densely populated areas, is visibly affected. Streets and restaurants in Bangladeshi neighborhoods, once bustling with activity, are now nearly deserted.

Khadija Muntaha advises the Bangladeshi community to exercise caution. “It’s critical to cooperate with law enforcement, avoid using someone else’s work permit, and steer clear of legal disputes during these challenging times,” she said.

The executive orders have also faced legal challenges, with 24 states and cities filing lawsuits, arguing that certain measures violate the U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment. Legal experts believe the Supreme Court may overturn some orders.

For now, the Bangladeshi community and other undocumented immigrants remain on high alert, navigating a landscape fraught with uncertainty and fear.