(The Center Square) − Shreveport’s Hispanic residents are voicing growing fears about potential deportations as changes to federal immigration policy take effect under President Donald Trump’s administration.
The city’s Hispanic population, estimated at over 6,000 according to the Census Bureau, has been gripped by uncertainty and anxiety. Concerns over personal safety, employment, and access to essential services were brought to the forefront during a recent city council meeting by a local advocate.
“In the last three days, I have volunteered my services as a translator and received thousands of messages from people across the city who are afraid to leave their homes, go to work, shop, or even send their children to school,” Roy Rush, a Shreveport resident, said at Tuesday’s administrative conference meeting.
Rush urged city officials to clarify their stance on immigration and emphasize the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“The Hispanic population wants to know what the city’s position is as it relates to immigration,” Councilmember Tabitha Taylor said. “They feel marginalized and view some of the acts of the particular entities as inhumane.”
“The city intends to protect all of its citizens, and that includes those of Hispanic heritage,” Mayor Tom Arceneaux responded, though he did not elaborate on specific policy measures and protections were not outlined during the meeting.
Trump has made immigration enforcement a cornerstone of his return to office, framing the issue as a matter of national security. In his inaugural address, Trump pledged to deploy troops to the southern border to address what he called a “disastrous invasion” and has since enacted sweeping changes to immigration policies.
Key measures include expedited deportation for those unable to prove long-term U.S. residency, mandatory registration with criminal penalties for noncompliance, and work permit denials for individuals without legal status.
Federal benefits are barred for unauthorized immigrants, sanctuary jurisdictions face funding threats, and local law enforcement is increasingly deputized to enforce immigration laws. Additionally, audits of NGOs assisting undocumented immigrants could lead to funding freezes or clawbacks.
