According to a Pew Research Center survey (March 2025), 42% of U.S. Hispanics fear deportation of themselves or a family member. This climate of fear has been fueled by the wave of immigration raids promoted by Donald Trump’s administration in his second term.
However, along with the real operatives, fake audios, videos and viral posts have circulated that generate confusion and anxiety in the immigrant community. Many of these misinformations are spread through social networks such as WhatsApp, TikTok or Facebook.
How to protect yourself: expert advice
Experts in migration and media literacy recommend following Factchequeado’s SABE (Suspect, Analyze, Search, Evaluate) method to protect yourself from immigration raids.
If a piece of content causes you extreme fear or anger, stop and check.
Do not share audios or images without confirming their origin.
Check with reliable sources such as USCIS, AILA, ACLU, or the American Immigration Council.
Consult directly with accredited immigration attorneys or local non-profit organizations.
Use Factchequeado’s WhatsApp [+1 (646) 873-6087] to send suspicious content.
Peter Adams of the News Literacy Project points out that if something sounds “too good or too alarming to be true,” it’s probably false.
Immigration scams: what to avoid
Increased uncertainty over immigration raids has also brought an increase in scams.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has warned about so-called “experts” promising visas, green cards or guaranteed work permits in exchange for money.
42% of Hispanics in the U.S. fear deportations for themselves or a loved one
QuéOnnda.com
No USCIS officer will call you to demand payment over the phone.
No one can expedite your application outside of the official system.
Be wary if someone claims to have “government contacts” or offers you guaranteed results without having started a formal case.
Recent cases of disinformation in 2025
Buzzy
False immigration raid alerts: messages claiming ICE presence with military in Philadelphia caused school and work absences.
Spirit Airlines video: went viral as if it was a deportation, but it was a medical evacuation confirmed by the airline.
School immigration raids: another video supposedly showed a raid in Tennessee, but it was a recording after a school shooting.
In addition, false narratives claimed the end of mass raids, the release of immigrants without records, or the theft of 10% of bank savings to fund deportations.
None of these claims are real.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
