31,252 Ecuadorians face deportation from the U.S.

The Ecuadorian community in the U.S. is on edge due to stricter immigration policies under President Donald Trump. Here’s the current situation regarding deportations:

ICE reports that 593 migrants of various nationalities were detained in raids as of January 24, 2024, with Ecuadorians among them. According to Fox News, over 1.4 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. have final deportation orders, including 31,252 Ecuadorians.

These deportation orders are final, following due legal process, including hearings and appeals. If migrants don’t leave by their given date, they remain undocumented and face permanent federal arrest warrants.

William Murillo, director of 1-800 Migrante, explains that while migrants with ongoing legal cases cannot be detained, those without active cases or who have exhausted appeals face immediate risk. His office has seen a surge in inquiries from Ecuadorians seeking help with asylum, dual nationality, and other legal options.

ICE data also highlights deportation orders for migrants from countries like Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Venezuela. Murillo notes that deportation flights to Ecuador occur two to three times weekly.

Economic and social impact

There are about 14 million migrants in the U.S., and deporting such a high number would require significant resources. Lawyer Ivonne Téllez from the Catholic University of Quito estimates there are 2.4 million Ecuadorian migrants worldwide, with 800,000 in the U.S. The new anti-immigration law signed by Trump on January 22, 2025, has worsened the situation, restricting asylum requests and increasing deportations.

Téllez warns this could harm the rights of migrants and reduce remittances, which are vital for Ecuador’s economy. She also questions the feasibility of mass deportations, citing the 1.7 million deportations during Trump’s first term as a reference point.

Broader effects

Trump’s policies may deter future migration to the U.S., but many will continue risking their lives, relying on smugglers and dangerous routes like the Darién Gap. Migration patterns may shift, but the drive for a better life remains strong.

The situation highlights the complexities of immigration enforcement, the economic reliance on migrant labor, and the human toll of restrictive policies.

Source: EcuaVisa.