**Trump's Victory Signals Troubling Times Ahead for Immigrant Families**

The election victory of Donald Trump signals an imminent threat of deportation for immigrants, like Honduran native Contreras, who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally in 1995. Despite being married to a U.S. citizen for over ten years, living and working legally in the U.S. for more than 25 years, and having a child who is a U.S. citizen, Contreras now faces possible deportation.

Trump's decisive win has reinvigorated his agenda to expel millions of undocumented immigrants, including those who benefited from the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. Maribel Hernández Rivera, Contreras's wife, who is also the director of policy and government affairs for the ACLU, expressed deep concerns about the potential for deportation, calling these "scary times."

During his victory speech, Trump reiterated his tough stance on immigration, focusing on sealing borders and ensuring only legal entry into the United States. This vision has struck fear and anxiety within immigrant households nationwide. According to FWD.us, over 19 million Latinos in the U.S. live in households with at least one immigrant, and nearly a third could experience family separations under Trump’s policies.

Juan Proaño, the chief executive of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), underscores the complexity of mass deportations involving mixed-status families. Similarly, Michael Kagan from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas Immigration Clinic warned of the grim scenario involving National Guard and desert detention camps.

Resistance to Trump’s mass deportation agenda has already begun. California Governor Gavin Newsom has convened a special legislative session to explore ways to counteract Trump's plans. New York City’s commissioner of immigrant affairs, Manuel Castro, provided assurances that the city's agencies would adhere to sanctuary laws, urging immigrants not to succumb to panic and fear.

Despite Trump's previous setbacks in achieving full-scale deportations during his first term due to legal challenges and sanctuary cities' defiance, concerns remain. The fervor from voters, including about 45% of Latinos who supported Trump, indicates widespread backing for stricter immigration controls.

Jessica Orozco Guttlein from the Hispanic Federation recalled the widespread fear during Trump's first term, where many immigrants refrained from sending their children to school or seeking necessary services. Her organization is now preparing “know your rights” workshops, particularly in rural areas, to address misinformation and provide support to immigrant communities.

Kagan highlighted the risk of self-appointed vigilante groups acting against immigrant communities, a scenario reminiscent of past deportation efforts. Amidst the ensuing uncertainty, Hernández Rivera remains hopeful that most Americans do not want to see families like hers torn apart. However, the fear of future separation looms large, casting a shadow over their upcoming 14th anniversary celebrations.