After a long and dreary but peaceful transition of power, the Trump administration has begun its second term in office and quickly started working to keep some of the Trump campaign’s most troubling promises. Shock and awe has been the name of the game for the administration, implementing sweeping changes to federal agencies and their policies from top to bottom. 

A flurry of executive orders seems to be the first of many attempts from the Trump administration to dismantle the integrity and ethics of the United States and tear down much of the progress that has been made. One of the most problematic changes the administration has already implemented is the repealing of the “sensitive locations” policy which had been in place for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for over a decade barring them from raiding specific areas that included churches, schools and hospitals. The Experience staff stands against the policy and warns our readers to be alert of the Trump administration’s latest contradiction of American values.

 Allowing ICE to work within formerly protected areas accomplishes nothing, disrupts Americans’ way of life and manufactures a deeper sense of fear in vulnerable communities. The message of this policy is clear: “you are not welcome here,” when America is supposed to be an inclusive land of opportunity. 

During this stressful time it is very important that we stand against mass deportations as they disproportionately target asylum seekers and understand that we all still have rights and protections even when our leaders are trying to strip them away. Now more than ever we encourage all of our readers to be vigilant and hold their ground.