Bracing for Impact: America Prepares for Trump’s Second Term

Since his 2024 win, our Report for America corps members have covered how groups geared up for Trump’s second term

Alana Campbell

Introduction

The political landscape Donald Trump enters in 2025 differs significantly from 2017. Unlike his 2016 win, Trump achieved a more comprehensive victory, winning both the Electoral College and the popular vote –  the second Republican  to do so since 1988 – and securing control of both chambers of Congress. Whereas his  previous transition was slowed  by inexperience and a lack of preparation – Trump himself admitted he hadn’t fully expected to win – this time, his team is  more organized, competent, and strategic . They have spent years  planning for a second term,  guided by playbooks like Agenda 47 and Project 2025, which outline a comprehensive vision for reshaping the government. 

Trump’s second-term policy agenda is extensive and ambitious, drawing heavily from his "America First" platform.  Key priorities  include mass deportations, and an aggressive stance on trade, targeting both allies and opponents with tariffs and trade restrictions. Domestically, he plans to roll back clean energy initiatives, dismantle diversity and inclusion programs, and pursue deregulation in technology, energy, and environmental sectors. His administration is also expected to push for tax cuts, reduce government spending, and limit protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. 

The early days of Trump’s administration have included an overwhelming number of executive actions,  far surpassing  the pace of his first term. In just his first week, he signed 35 executive orders –  more than any of the past 15 presidents  in the same timeframe – addressing issues ranging from immigration and climate change to diversity programs and international relations.  Some of these orders have immediate effects, while others, such as his attempt to revoke birthright citizenship,  are facing legal challenges .  One of his primary initiatives,  the mass deportation  of millions of undocumented immigrants, is fully underway with thousands already arrested and detained.

Since his win in November, opposition groups, advocacy organizations, and local governments have been bracing for impact, using both his past policies and current plans to strengthen their resistance strategies and  prepare for what could be a difficult four years. Our Report For America corps members have been documenting these preparations for months, highlighting the perspectives of those impacted as well as their advocates. 

Immigration Crackdown

Undocumented Texans & Businesses Fear The Worst

Texas is home to approximately 1.6 million undocumented immigrants, the second-largest  in the U.S. after California. 

Déjà Vu for Mississippi Immigrant Community 

Trump’s proposed immigration crackdown is expected to extend beyond individuals with criminal records, affecting working, tax-paying families and those with mixed immigration statuses. His administration has suggested extreme measures such as workplace raids, public space enforcement actions, and even deploying the military for deportations. 

Biden-Era Surveillance Tech May Assist Immigration Crackdown 

In his new term, President Trump will have access to advanced surveillance and artificial intelligence (AI) tools previously used by the Biden administration to track, detain, and deport immigrants without legal status, reports corps member Jesse Bedayn in this article for the Associated Press.

NJ Schools Prepare Educators for ICE Operations

Over 40 percent of New Jersey children are part of immigrant families, with 35 percent of these children having parents who are not U.S. citizens. This makes New Jersey the state with the second-highest percentage of students living with immigrants. 

Unaccompanied Minors and Sponsors Struggle in Pacific Northwest 

Each year, unaccompanied children cross the border and are placed with sponsors, often distant relatives or family friends. Families in the Pacific Northwest states Washington, Oregon, and Idaho have sponsored thousands over the past decade. 

Farmworkers in California Stay Home After Raids

Undocumented workers make up nearly half of California's workforce, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and construction. California’s sanctuary state status has largely positioned it as a challenger to Trump on immigration. 

California City Fights State Sanctuary Laws

California became a sanctuary state in 2017 with the passage of SB 54, also known as the California Values Act. This law restricts cooperation between state and local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities and is the subject of a lawsuit from Huntington Beach leaders, reports corps member Noah Biesda in this Voice of OC article.

Mexico Readies Border Cities for Deportee Influx

Across the border in Mexico, Report for the World corps member Janette De Los Reyes has been reporting on local and governmental preparations ahead of the Trump administration’s deportation plans. In several Connexion Migrante articles, she highlights the various groups gearing up for the influx of deportees.

Undocumented Texans & Businesses Fear The Worst

Texas is home to approximately 1.6 million undocumented immigrants, the second-largest  in the U.S. after California. 

As Republican leaders in the state express strong support for Trump’s mass deportation plans, undocumented individuals – many of whom have lived in the U.S. for decades – are increasingly scared of being forced to leave behind their families, homes, and livelihoods.  In this article for The Texas Tribune,  corps member Berenice Garcia and a few of her colleagues spoke with undocumented Texans in Fort Worth, Dallas, El Paso, and the Rio Grande Valley about these fears. 

"Here, we're afraid because of the government, and over there, we're afraid because of what's happening," said one, referring to drug cartel-related violence in Mexico. Many are considering self-deporting to avoid the risk of being deported without their belongings.

Advocacy groups and legal organizations are working to help undocumented Texans prepare for potential deportation through initiatives like "Know Your Rights" training. Still, the full extent of these policies’ effects remains uncertain, but both families and businesses are bracing for possible upheaval.

 In another article,  Garcia and fellow corps member Carlos Nogueras Ramos highlight the significant economic impact of mass deportations. Undocumented workers comprise 8 percent of the workforce, and their labor contributes an estimated $17.7 billion annually to the state’s gross product. Industries like construction rely heavily on undocumented labor and could be severely disrupted, exacerbating Texas’ housing shortage and driving up home prices and rents. 

Some business leaders expressed concerns about finding enough legal workers for grueling jobs, with one saying, “We wouldn't survive, and we'll have to close.” Still, many are taking a wait-and-see approach as Trump’s immigration policies take shape. 

Déjà Vu for Mississippi Immigrant Community 

Trump’s proposed immigration crackdown is expected to extend beyond individuals with criminal records, affecting working, tax-paying families and those with mixed immigration statuses. His administration has suggested extreme measures such as workplace raids, public space enforcement actions, and even deploying the military for deportations. 

This type of enforcement is especially concerning for Mississippi’s immigrant communities. In 2019, under Trump’s previous administration, ICE officials arrested over 680 workers in a single day during a raid on Mississippi poultry plants, resulting in detentions, deportations, and family separations. The operation was the largest of its kind in recent U.S. history, and five years later, local immigrant communities are still recovering from the trauma.

While the state's immigrant population is relatively small – less than 3 percent of residents in 2023 – civil-rights attorneys warn that the mass deportation plans could have widespread economic and social consequences. Subsequently, immigrant-advocacy groups are bracing for the worst, reports corps member Ilhan Ireland  in this Mississippi Free Press article . 

Groups like El Pueblo have been preparing by educating immigrants on their rights, creating emergency preparedness plans to facilitate identity verification and document retrieval, and meeting with school district and law-enforcement officials to discuss their roles in potential immigration crackdowns. 

“We know what happened in the past,” said the director of El Pueblo, “We’re trying to be more proactive so our communities are better prepared all the way around.”

Biden-Era Surveillance Tech May Assist Immigration Crackdown 

In his new term, President Trump will have access to advanced surveillance and artificial intelligence (AI) tools previously used by the Biden administration to track, detain, and deport immigrants without legal status, reports corps member Jesse Bedayn  in this article for the Associated Press .

Though Trump has proposed using military and wartime powers to ramp up deportations, logistical challenges remain, which these AI-powered surveillance tools could help address. 

These technologies include algorithms like the "Hurricane Score," which ranks immigrants on the likelihood they will evade ICE supervision based on several factors. ICE stated they use it when making decisions about an immigrant’s case.

The government also uses the SmartLINK app, which employs facial recognition and GPS  tracking to monitor the nearly 200,000 individuals enrolled in the Alternatives to Detention program, allowing them to remain in the U.S. while their cases are pending.

When asked if he would use these technologies once he takes office, a Trump spokesperson stated that “President Trump will marshal every federal and state power necessary to institute the largest deportation operation.”

While AI systems are widely used, they remain largely unregulated, and some have raised concerns about potential biases. Under Biden, the DHS claimed its AI use was transparent and aimed to protect privacy and civil rights, but Trump has pledged to repeal Biden's AI policy.

NJ Schools Prepare Educators for ICE Operations

Over 40 percent of New Jersey children are part of immigrant families, with 35 percent of these children having parents who are not U.S. citizens. This makes New Jersey the state with the second-highest percentage of students living with immigrants. 

As President Trump begins his second term with plans for mass deportations, New Jersey schools are bracing for the potential impact on undocumented students and their families, reported corps member Hannah Gross last month  in this NJ Spotlight News article. 

New Jersey school officials and superintendents are working with the state Department of Education, local law enforcement, and school board attorneys to support immigrant students and families. “There’s no substitute for being prepared,” said one school board attorney.

During Biden’s administration, ICE agents were prohibited from entering schools under federal policies that treat schools as “sensitive” areas. But once Trump took office, he revoked these protections, allowing ICE to make arrests in or near schools. 

 In a post-inauguration follow-up article,  Gross details the specific guidance the state Department of Education has issued to schools, including instructions on recognizing valid warrants, protecting immigrant students’ rights, and addressing deportation-related trauma. Officials stressed the importance of clear communication with families, proactive policy revisions, and ensuring school staff are trained to handle potential ICE enforcement actions. 

Local advocacy groups like the New Jersey chapter of the ACLU have also been hosting "Know Your Rights" sessions to help immigrant families understand their legal protections, address widespread fears, and explain how Trump's plans for mass deportations could affect them.

Unaccompanied Minors and Sponsors Struggle in Pacific Northwest 

Each year, unaccompanied children cross the border and are placed with sponsors, often distant relatives or family friends. Families in the Pacific Northwest states Washington, Oregon, and Idaho have sponsored thousands over the past decade. 

Alongside Trump’s mass deportation plans, his Project 2025 allies have called for eliminating protections for unaccompanied migrant children and expediting their deportation process. This has caused growing concern among migrant advocates, reports corps member Rachel Spacek  in this article for InvestigateWest . 

The director of one group that assists families wanting to sponsor migrant children recalled that during the previous Trump administration, some sponsors and their families were detained by ICE and deported. Subsequently, many potential sponsor families – often undocumented or with undocumented individuals in their households – are afraid to participate, which in turn keeps children in detention centers or shelters for longer periods. 

While Biden-era policy protected undocumented sponsor families from being reported to immigration enforcement, a Trump administration could undo these safeguards, further complicating the situation for both children and their sponsors. 

Farmworkers in California Stay Home After Raids

Undocumented workers make up nearly half of California's workforce, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and construction. California’s sanctuary state status has largely positioned it as a challenger to Trump on immigration. 

However, weeks before he officially took office, Border Patrol agents launched an unannounced large-scale operation in the Central Valley, arresting and detaining dozens of immigrants. Dubbed "Operation Return to Sender," Border Patrol claims they’re targeting criminals, but advocates say it disproportionately impacted farmworkers and that the raids stoked widespread fear.

In response, many immigrant farmworkers have been staying home, leading to decreased attendance at farms, which may have economic consequences for California’s agricultural industry, reports corps member Joshua Yeager  in this KVPR article.  

“It’s clear that border patrol is feeling emboldened, and I believe this is the kind of thing that unfortunately we’ll be seeing more of over the next four years,” said one advocate.

 In a follow-up article,  Yeager includes more details that came out in the days since the operation, including reports of unusual tactics employed by Border Patrol agents and racial profiling, as well as the response from community members. Many felt this operation foreshadowed what was to come under Trump’s administration. 

As arrests continue, social media has become a critical tool for the community to share updates, document encounters, and organize protests. Pro-immigrant groups are also offering legal support, and the Huron Police Department has reassured residents that they will not enforce immigration laws. 

California City Fights State Sanctuary Laws

California became a sanctuary state in 2017 with the passage of SB 54, also known as the California Values Act. This law restricts cooperation between state and local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities and is the subject of a lawsuit from Huntington Beach leaders, reports corps member Noah Biesda  in this Voice of OC article. 

Led by City Attorney Michael Gates, this lawsuit –  the city’s fourth against the state in two years – argues that, as a charter city, Huntington Beach is not required to comply with this law. The local police department, they claim, is under city, not state, jurisdiction. Additionally, they contend that it forces the city to violate federal law, which is supposed to supersede state law per the U.S. Constitution.

Despite research suggesting sanctuary policies do not affect crime rates, city officials also argue that the law jeopardizes residents' safety, with Mayor Pat Burns asserting it puts the city’s 200,000 residents at risk.

Mexico Readies Border Cities for Deportee Influx

Across the border in Mexico, Report for the World corps member Janette De Los Reyes has been reporting on local and governmental preparations ahead of the Trump administration’s deportation plans. In several Connexion Migrante articles, she highlights the various groups gearing up for the influx of deportees.

In early January,  the Tijuana City Council announced the rental  of an industrial warehouse to serve as the first dedicated shelter for individuals expelled from the United States. This facility aimed to address the needs of up to 5,000 deportees while minimizing the use of public spaces. It’s part of a broader plan to mitigate the social and economic impact of deportations on Tijuana. The status of this facility is unclear as they were  initially unable  to get the necessary approvals and had difficulty coordinating between the municipal and state governments.

In the meantime, a separate facility organized with the federal government called  the Deportee Care Center began operations  in Tijuana, the first of nine announced by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for the border region. The facility can house up to 2,600 people and includes offices for the National Employment Service, IMSS, and the Ministry of Welfare to provide personalized assistance. There is still no clear plan for deportees who choose to remain in Tijuana rather than return to their home states, reports De Los Reyes.

Subsequently, activists and civil society groups in Mexico  are urging the government  at all levels to prioritize integration programs for deportees instead of focusing on returning them to their places of origin. They argue that many of these deportees will likely prefer to remain in border cities like Tijuana to stay close to their families. Integration programs, which have long been advocated by organizations working with the deported population, aim to support migrants in building new lives within border communities.

The preparations on the other side of the border aren’t just from local and federal governments,  but also community members  who have gone through the same thing, reports De Los Reyes. When Milton Equihua was deported to Mexico in 2013 after growing up in the U.S., his own reintegration challenges inspired him to create New Beginnings Ministries, which provides crucial support to deported men arriving in Tijuana, offering services like phone calls, hot coffee, temporary shelter, and assistance with official documentation. 

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Other Topics: Health, Education, Environment

Education Cuts Could Hurt California Students

The Department of Education oversees funding and ensures that school districts comply with regulations designed to protect students, especially those in need. President Trump’s pledge to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education would have severe consequences for vulnerable students, including those from low-income families, undocumented students, and students with disabilities. 

Trump Education Pick Bolsters NJ “Parent’s Rights” Advocates 

In New Jersey, most public school funding comes from local property taxes or state sources, with only 5.3 percent from the federal government. Much of the federal funding is directed to schools that serve high-need students, and cutting such programs would be difficult for both Republican and Democratic lawmakers to justify to their constituents. Still, Trump’s proposed plans for education could affect even states with strong local funding and policies like New Jersey.

Wisconsin Drinking Water At Risk

During his previous term in office, President Trump rolled back over 100 environmental regulations aimed at controlling air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and toxic chemicals. Experts predict he will likely revisit this approach, which could have significant consequences for states like Wisconsin. 

Iowa’s Clean Energy Boom Under Threat

Clean energy plays a crucial role in Iowa’s economy, employing tens of thousands of people – a number that grew in 2023, largely driven by federal incentives such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This growth is expected to continue, reflecting a broader trend across the Midwest, where over 760,000 people are employed in clean energy. 

Experts Weigh In on Future of North Carolina Health Policy 

Though Trump won in North Carolina, Democrats maintained control of the governor's office, which could play a crucial role in shaping health policy over the next two years as the governor will likely use his influence to challenge bills he deems harmful.

Education Cuts Could Hurt California Students

The Department of Education oversees funding and ensures that school districts comply with regulations designed to protect students, especially those in need. President Trump’s pledge to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education would have severe consequences for vulnerable students, including those from low-income families, undocumented students, and students with disabilities. 

In Sonoma County, over $15 million in federal funds supports these students, although county leaders think it’s unlikely that the elimination of the department is likely. Although California may not see immediate changes in policy, there is concern that federal funding could be withheld from states that don't conform to Trump’s education agenda, which includes limiting the discussion of gender, race, sexual orientation, and political content in classrooms. 

Trump’s proposed curriculum would also focus on teaching the “American Way of Life,” including reintroducing prayer in schools, reports corps member Adriana Gutierrez  in this article for The Press Democrat . In addition, he proposed creating a new credentialing agency to certify teachers who align with “patriotic values” and removing tenure rights, which could threaten job security for educators.

“We should be grateful in a state like California where we have some policy backstops that prevent worst-case scenarios and that we have leaders in Sacramento that are working quickly to fortify those backstops,” said Rep. Jared Huffman of California’s North Coast district. “It’s good news in otherwise dark times ahead.”

Trump Education Pick Bolsters NJ “Parent’s Rights” Advocates 

In New Jersey, most public school funding comes from local property taxes or state sources, with only 5.3 percent from the federal government. Much of the federal funding is directed to schools that serve high-need students, and cutting such programs would be difficult for both Republican and Democratic lawmakers to justify to their constituents. Still, Trump’s proposed plans for education could affect even states with strong local funding and policies like New Jersey.

 In this article for NJ Spotlight News,  corps member Hannah Gross explains what effect the Trump administration’s education policy proposals, including eliminating the U.S. Department of Education, may have on New Jersey schools. 

Despite her sparse education experience, Trump has also nominated longtime ally Linda McMahon to lead the Department of Education. He described McMahon as a strong advocate for “parental rights” and school choice – positions that align with groups like Moms for Liberty.

Emboldened by Trump’s election and the appointment of McMahon, parental rights advocates in the state have called for increased parental involvement in schools, the removal of protections for transgender students, and restrictions on certain books in school libraries, reports Gross  in another article.  

The Biden administration’s policies for LGBTQ+ students included Title IX changes that protect against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. Trump is expected to roll back these policies. Though New Jersey’s own anti-bullying and anti-discrimination laws continue to offer protections independent of federal changes, rolling back these Biden-era protections could affect the state’s guidelines for transgender students, which have already been repealed in some districts due to pressure from groups like Moms For Liberty. 

Wisconsin Drinking Water At Risk

During his previous term in office, President Trump rolled back over 100 environmental regulations aimed at controlling air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and toxic chemicals. Experts predict he will likely revisit this approach, which could have significant consequences for states like Wisconsin. 

Wisconsin has benefited from nearly a billion dollars under a landmark climate law that Trump seeks to undo, raising concerns about the impact on drinking water safety. One such concern is nitrate contamination, the state's most widespread groundwater pollutant. 

Additionally, Wisconsin, particularly Milwaukee, faces the challenge of replacing thousands of lead pipes, and federal funding during Biden’s administration had been allocated to expedite the process. If these mandates are reversed, experts believe the pressure to address these issues may lessen. 

 In this article for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel,  corps members Caitlin Looby and Madeline Heim detail these potential challenges as well as other areas at risk under a potential Trump administration which include sustainable, climate-smart agriculture, environmental justice, and Great Lakes cleanup efforts.

Iowa’s Clean Energy Boom Under Threat

Clean energy plays a crucial role in Iowa’s economy, employing tens of thousands of people – a number that grew in 2023, largely driven by federal incentives such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This growth is expected to continue, reflecting a broader trend across the Midwest, where over 760,000 people are employed in clean energy. 

The economic benefits of this technology have been significant, saving one Iowa county approximately $20 million over the past decade. Experts argue that the IRA has been instrumental in revitalizing manufacturing and creating jobs in the Midwest, and its impact on clean energy is especially vital for Iowa’s future. 

Throughout his campaign, Trump has pledged to dismantle the IRA and prioritize fossil fuel production, which has raised concerns among clean energy advocates, some of whom point out that red states like Iowa would bear the brunt of such policies. 

“More than 60 percent of those 350-plus major factories and projects announced since the Inflation Reduction Act are in Republican congressional districts in red states,” said one renewable energy expert. “It’s not liberals in California or New York who are going to get hurt if these policies get rolled back. It’s working-class Americans in Republican states.”

 In this November article  for The Gazette, corps member Olivia Cohen spoke to experts and officials about the importance of clean energy to Iowa's economy and how they expect things to change once Trump takes office.

Experts Weigh In on Future of North Carolina Health Policy 

Though Trump won in North Carolina, Democrats maintained control of the governor's office, which could play a crucial role in shaping health policy over the next two years as the governor will likely use his influence to challenge bills he deems harmful.

As the political landscape shifts at both the state and federal levels, corps member Rachel Crumpler and her colleagues outlined the implications for health policy – including child care funding, aging policy, Medicaid, health insurance, and environmental health –  in this article for NC Health News. 

A Republican-controlled Congress may push for extending tax cuts, which could lead to funding cuts in Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act, potentially impacting millions of beneficiaries in the state, including low-income children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. 

Abortion access is also a major concern, with Trump’s Project 2025 agenda proposing federal restrictions, including efforts to revoke approval for the abortion pill mifepristone, which accounted for two-thirds of abortions in North Carolina in 2021. 

The fear of reduced reproductive health access has already led to anxiety among patients, with some delaying pregnancy or opting for long-acting contraception and sterilization in anticipation of stricter regulations. 

“We shouldn’t have to be going through this every two to four years of having to think again, ‘Well, what’s going to happen this time, and how drastically might things change?’” said one local OBGYN. “Our medical care should not be so fragile or so vulnerable to the whims and moods of whoever’s in power versus who’s not.”

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