As many Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids have been apparent in the months of February, June and August around the city of Houston, the upcoming generation of students have not been afraid to state their opinions. 

As of recent statistics by TRAC Reports, about 57,861 people have been detained by ICE in the U.S. Target operations have been directed towards families, many of whom include young children and teens.

President Donald Trump has taken many actions to decrease the undocumented immigrant population in the U.S. According to the National Immigration Law Center, one of Trump’s initiatives, One Big Beautiful Act gives the Department of Homeland Security, $45 billion to detain immigrant adults and families.   

“I think that I understand what Trump was trying to do with the crackdown on immigration. I think it’s been taken too far,” junior Jaylene Marks said.“It’s dangerous for the immigrants that they’re exploiting.”

Various workforces have also been affected due to deportation operations. Immigrants, who make up large parts of different workforces, especially in agriculture, are being detained. According to the Business and Human Rights Resource Center, 42 percent of crop workers lack authorization. This will lead to a mass labor shortage in the agricultural field.

Another junior, Bianca Lopez, said she believes ICE is “deporting a lot of helpers” and that it is “not very beneficial.”

Junior Kevin Lazo said he cares about the important roles and jobs immigrants take on. 

“[Many immigrants] do the jobs like roofing and other construction labor,” Lazo said. 

Many believe the process to become a legal immigrant is fairly difficult. Others think the process is simple and easy to follow. On average, the process takes about five years. 

Marks said she believes the process is “fairly easy” but can be “difficult depending on circumstances.”

Violence numbers against both officers and detainees have risen across the country. There have even been recent reports of tear gas outbreaks and shootings due to ICE protests, according to NPR.org.

Lazo said his sister witnessed an ICE raid where multiple immigrants were injured and bruised. 

Another recent issue includes the outbreak of riots and violent protests against ICE officers. According to the Department Homeland of Security, a targeted sniper attack was launched Sept. 24 toward the Dallas ICE Facility. Another violent riot broke out on Sept. 26 in Broadview, Illinois, during an attempt to protest against ICE. 

“I think that riots will continue to break out due to this discrimination,” Marks said. 

Other citizens around the U.S. have also expressed opinions about the ICE raids. Citizens in many states around the country unified to participate in No Kings protests, which demonstrate the disapproval of Trump’s policies. Mexican Americans in Los Angeles have also voiced their opinions by gathering to protest deportation operations. 

Every day, more and more people are voicing their opinions and taking action.