Why the US is deporting so many people

The podcast examines the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the U.S. immigration system, particularly under the Trump administration. It traces the history of immigration policies, highlighting how shifts in legislation and enforcement have led to a growing population of undocumented immigrants filling essential labor demands. The conversation reveals that despite data showing lower crime rates among undocumented immigrants, a narrative framing them as criminals has fueled stricter enforcement. The podcast also explores the impact of ICE quotas on arrests, leading to the detention and deportation of even legal residents, and the strain this puts on families and communities. It further touches on the economic reliance on immigrant labor and the absence of legal pathways for low-wage workers.