Women 'dropping domestic abuse cases in fear of being deported' amid Donald Trump's US immigration crackdown
Some victims too frightened to appear in court in case they are seen by US immigration officials
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Women are reportedly dropping domestic abuse cases for fear of being deported as part of Donald Trump’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
Some victims are too frightened to appear in court in case they are seen by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), lawyer Kristin Bronson said.
“We had pending cases that we were prosecuting on their behalf and since January 25, the date of the president's executive order [on immigration], those four women have let our office know they were not willing to proceed with the case for fear that they would be spotted in the courthouse and deported,” she told NPR.
According to the lawyer, the fear stemmed from a video posted last month that showed immigration agents waiting to make an arrest outside a Denver courthouse.
“Unfortunately [the video] has resulted in a high degree of fear and anxiety in our immigrant communities, and as a result, we have grave concerns here that they distrust the court system now and that we're not going to have continued cooperation of victims and witnesses,” she said.
Ms Bronson has asked immigration agents to change tactics and recognise courthouses as “sensitive areas”, much like schools, churches or hospitals.
"Without victims willing to testify we've had to dismiss those charges and the violent offenders have seen no consequences for their violent acts," she said of the four women who dropped cases as a result of the US President’s crackdown.
Mr Trump’s vow to tackle illegal immigration was announced early in his tenure.
He promised to deport “probably two million, even three million” people within two years and during his campaign infamously said Mexican immigrants were “bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists and some, I assume, are good people”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments