In the recent weeks following President Donald Trump’s inauguration, Amarillo has found itself in the crossfires of immigration policies and with the presence of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). On his first day back in office, President Trump signed executive orders that drastically expand the government’s power to target immigrants already living in the U.S. These orders also lay the groundwork for a massive expansion of the infrastructure needed to carry out the “mass deportations.”
The people of Amarillo take pride in their community, built on hard work, trust and shared values. But under Trump’s new order, ICE has turned into an unchecked force that sows fear, disrupts families and disproportionately targets Hispanic residents. This is not about public safety. This is about racial profiling and an attack on a vital part of our community and it is not something that The Ranger staff stands for.
For years, immigrants have played a crucial role in Amarillo’s economy, particularly in agriculture, meatpacking and service industries. They work long hours, contribute to local businesses and pay taxes. Yet, ICE has been weaponized to tear apart families, raid workplaces and create an atmosphere of terror that makes it harder for people to go about their daily lives.
This administration claims these actions are about enforcing immigration laws, but the reality is clear: the vast majority of those targeted are Hispanic. Other immigrant communities don’t face the same level of scrutiny, proving this is about racial discrimination, not law and order. Our city should not be complicit in a system that disproportionately punishes one group while turning a blind eye to others.
Beyond the moral injustice, ICE’s presence is a direct threat to public safety. When immigrants fear that any interaction with local law enforcement could lead to deportation, they stop reporting crimes. Victims of domestic violence stay silent. Witnesses refuse to come forward. This makes Amarillo less safe for everyone. Our police officers should be focused on protecting and serving, not acting as federal immigration agents.
Financially, ICE’s aggressive enforcement drains local resources, forcing taxpayers to foot the bill for detaining and deporting people who have committed no violent crimes. Meanwhile, families are left broken, children are traumatized and employers lose dedicated workers. All of this for what? A political agenda that stokes fear rather than solving real problems.
Amarillo is stronger when all of its residents, regardless of status, feel safe and valued. We must reject Trump’s fear-mongering and stand against ICE’s unjust and racially biased enforcement tactics. Our city should not be a place where families live in constant fear of being torn apart. Instead, we should be building a future that includes and protects all of our neighbors.
Let this newspaper staff be clear: this land, this city, and more importantly this place of education is made up of immigrants all looking for a chance to achieve a dream and a future they can be proud of.
If Amarillo wants to live up to its values of hard work, fairness and community, then it’s time to say: ICE is not welcome here.
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