Community reacts as immigration fears grow among U.S. citizens

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- In recent hours, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke about the possibility of deporting American citizens who, according to him, have committed any violent crime.

“The law says that an American citizen has the right to stay in the country. So it is very strange what we have seen and we are getting used to this because it is not something you would expect,” says Blanca Zarazúa, an immigration attorney.

In a meeting with El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, Trump suggested sending these people to high-security prisons in his counterpart's country.

“Supposedly, he is focusing on people who are committing crimes or are committing crimes in the country,” says Daniel Flores, a resident of Salinas. “For that part, well, we are calm because we are working people, calm people, we only came to work and this to look for a better future for our children.”

Some like Joy Chandler feel helpless and want the Supreme Court to do something about it.

Data from the Migration Policy Institute in Monterey County show that 30 percent of those living in Monterey County who are in the process of obtaining legal status had residency for more than 20 years. The average age for this group is 25 to 34 years old. They add that 38 percent of them have at least one citizen child under the age of 18.

“All people who have interview and whatever, it's my obligation to tell them, I don't know, there is a possibility that they will detain you, I have to,” says Zarazúa. “I don't want to scare the person, I prefer to tell them and for them to be forewarned by given case and hopefully it won't happen.”

Zarazúa adds that in this uncertainty it is important to take action and inform yourself of your rights.

“We have to turn that fear into concern and concern into planning, we have to be prepared for the earthquake; I mean, it can happen, although it shouldn't happen.”