By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE SERIES of executive orders signed by President Donald Trump has raised widespread concerns, with potential impacts reverberating across borders and sectors.
Among these are policies targeting immigration, leadership changes within federal agencies, and controversial measures challenging long-standing norms.
President Trump’s crackdowns included declaring a national emergency at the southern US border, halting the use of the CBP One app that facilitated legal migrant entry, and initiating steps to end birthright citizenship.
These measures, framed as necessary for national security, are expected to spark legal challenges and intensify debates over immigration policies.
States and cities across the US have begun bracing for their implications, with mixed responses.
While some local governments, like Omaha, Nebraska, declared they would not assist in raids, others voiced support for stricter enforcement.
In Mexico, shelters in Tijuana, situated near the US-Mexico border, are preparing for an influx of migrants left in limbo due to the anticipated crackdown.
More than 30 shelters, already constrained by limited resources, are struggling to plan for the increased demand.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has vowed to defend her nation’s sovereignty and provide support to Mexicans living in the US.
Drawing parallels to Trump’s first term, she affirmed, “We have already lived through it,” underscoring the reduced migrant numbers at present compared to that period.
Another contentious move was the removal of Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan, the first female leader of a US armed forces branch.
The Department of Homeland Security cited “leadership deficiencies,” including alleged failures in addressing border security and a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
However, critics argue that her leadership brought notable achievements, such as meeting recruiting goals for the first time in six years.
The backdrop of Fagan’s dismissal includes Trump’s criticism of military leaders for embracing “woke” initiatives.
Also, Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, openly criticised DEI efforts, stating, “Any General, Admiral, whatever that was involved in any of the DEI woke sh*t has got to go.”
Trump’s sweeping immigration orders have also stirred fears among advocacy groups. Thousands of Afghan refugees, previously cleared for resettlement, face uncertainty following a suspension of the US refugee programme.
Meanwhile, the designation of cartels as terrorist organisations has prompted Sheinbaum to seek coordinated efforts with the incoming US Secretary of State.
