January 31, Colombo (LNW): In yet another overbearing move by the Trump administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has revealed that more than 3,000 Sri Lankans are amongst the 1.4 million people on its deportation list, highlighting the relentless and often indiscriminate approach to immigration enforcement under the former president’s regime.
The crackdown has cast a wide net, ensnaring individuals from all corners of the globe who are living in the U.S. without legal documentation.
Amongst these, the 3,065 Sri Lankans are now at risk of being forcibly removed from the country under the current regime’s harsh policies.
Despite the significant number of individuals affected, the Trump administration has shown a glaring disregard for international cooperation. In an official document, ICE outlined the process it expects foreign governments to follow to assist in the deportation effort, including issuing travel documents swiftly and ensuring the return of nationals through scheduled flights.
However, the administration’s history of alienating countries and undermining diplomatic relations has led to a reluctance from many governments to engage in these practices.
Sri Lanka, however, is not listed amongst the countries that are resisting these deportation efforts. This perhaps reflects a more pragmatic approach from the island nation, but it should be noted that many nations remain unwilling to cooperate fully, with ICE marking 15 countries as uncooperative and another 11 as at risk of non-compliance.
The decision to target large numbers of noncitizens without regard to their personal circumstances or ties to the U.S. illustrates the cruel and sweeping nature of Trump’s immigration policies.
Far from an attempt to uphold the law, this is a callous, politically motivated action that undermines the very values of compassion and fairness the U.S. once prided itself on.
Whilst it may be framed as a “tough on immigration” stance, the real effect of such policies is a chilling disregard for human rights, as they tear families apart and disrupt lives without a second thought.
