Wednesday, June 4, 2025 — New pressures instill fear in Indigenous immigrants

The increase in highly publicized deportations is unnerving both undocumented and documented migrants in the United States. Indigenous people from other countries, some who have visas or are awaiting decisions from immigration proceedings, are among those caught up in the Trump administration’s focus on mass deportations. Many of those who remain say they live in fear of being apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The New York Times reports immigration actions appear to have ramped up in May. The top deportation destination are Guatemala and Honduras, places where Indigenous people are fleeing violence and poverty. We’ll talk with people working with migrants about what is happening on the ground and what is different than actions in the past.

GUESTS

Juanita (Mam Nation), director of the International Mayan League

Nola (Maya Q’eqchi’), Maya Q’eqchi’, Spanish, and English Interpreter

Danny Chrisney (Maya Q’eqchi’ descent), managing attorney of Wilner O’Reilly Phoenix office

Dr. David Martinez (Gila River Indian Community, Akimel O’odham), professor of American Indian Studies and Transborder Studies and the director and founder of the Institute for Transborder Indigenous Nations at Arizona State University

 

Break 1 Music: Copal Offering to the Four Directions (song) Xavier Quijas Yxayotl (artist) Aztec Dances (album)

Break 2 Music: Butterfly Clouds (song) Clark Tenakhongva (artist) Su’Vu’Yo’Yungw (album)