Southern Californians Feel Impact of Immigration Crackdown as Trump Hits 100 Days

(CAMARILLO, Calif.) — As President Donald Trump reaches his 100th day in office, his administration’s immigration crackdown is having a heavy impact — reaching far beyond the border.

At the Ventura County Superior Court in Southern California, immigration cases continue to move through the system — reflecting the broader surge in arrests and deportations nationwide. Among the cases gaining national attention is that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was wrongfully deported to a mega prison in El Salvador.

Garcia is not a U.S. citizen, but his wife is. The federal government admitted it made an administrative error in his case, and the Supreme Court has ordered Garcia’s return to the United States. The Trump administration, however, now argues it is up to El Salvador to release him.

“Is this someone who’s a criminal and needs to be deported?” said Chris Quinn, a Camarillo government teacher. “Clearly, there are laws broken in terms of immigration.”

Garcia’s case highlights a wider trend affecting families across the region. One college student, whose late uncle was previously incarcerated due to his immigration status, said the experience was devastating.

“He didn’t do anything wrong,” the student said. “He was just raised on the wrong side of the border that persecuted him.”

Debate over the current administration’s approach has deepened in recent weeks.

“Trump’s brutal takedown of immigration has led to the erosion of due process rights and basic human rights of immigrants,” said Paul Caron, a senior editor at Euro Prospects.

Federal authorities, in coordination with Florida officials, made nearly 800 immigration-related arrests over four days in late April. The government cited the operation as proof it is delivering on campaign promises to prioritize the removal of undocumented immigrants.

Still, others say enforcing immigration laws is necessary to maintain public order.

“We’re a nation of rules and laws,” said Bryan Staples, an educator. “If people choose not to follow them, it puts others in jeopardy.”

Across California and the country, the intersection of immigration policy and personal experience continues to define the debate. As enforcement expands, families and communities are watching the next moves closely.