McALLEN, Texas (AP) — Yaakub Vijandre was preparing to go to work as a mechanic when six vehicles appeared outside his Dallas-area home. Federal agents jumped out, one pointed a weapon at him, and they took him into custody.
Vijandre is a recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a program that has shielded many from deportation since 2012. His arrest has raised alarms about a potential shift in immigration enforcement tactics under the Trump administration.
Reports suggest that the administration is increasing social media scrutiny of immigrants, causing fear among DACA recipients. Vijandre, a freelance videographer and pro-Palestinian activist, claims he was targeted for his online activism. His legal team argues that his posts are protected speech.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), DACA recipients are not completely shielded from deportation if they engage in criminal activities. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that individuals who claim DACA status ‘are not automatically protected’ and can have their status revoked for various reasons.
Vijandre's case is part of a worrying trend, as reports indicate that about 20 DACA recipients have been detained or arrested by immigration authorities since the Trump administration took office. Advocates for DACA recipients are concerned that these incidents reflect a broader strategy to dismantle the protections DACA offers, with legal provisions being increasingly challenged.
In response to the situation, Vijandre’s attorney, Chris Godshall-Bennett, expressed frustration over the lack of clarity regarding the charges against his client, emphasizing that the government has not disclosed specific details about the social media posts allegedly prompting the detention.
As more DACA recipients face similar threats, activists and legal representatives continue to campaign for the protection of those under the DACA program, urging policymakers to safeguard their rights against increasing immigration enforcement measures.
