ICE Raids Are Eroding Tenant Rights for Immigrant Households

Immigrant households across the U.S. face heightened fear and intimidation as ICE ramps up deportation efforts under the Trump administration. Even immigrants living in the country legally are increasingly reluctant to assert their housing rights, as landlords exploit the political climate.

Tenant organizers are working to counter this by offering "Know Your Rights" trainings, financial planning in case of deportation, and community support networks. And in places like Oregon, there are laws that prohibit landlords from discriminating against tenants based on immigration or citizenship status. So far, some states — Colorado, Illinois, and California — have seen lawsuits and enforcement actions against landlords who violated the law.

Still, organizers say fear itself is often the greatest barrier, as tenants avoid court, legal processes, or even meetings out of concern for retaliation.

Groups such as Poder Casas Móviles, Unite Oregon, City Life/Vida Urbana, and Inquilinxs Unidxs Por Justicia are adapting their strategies to address this new reality — helping families plan for worst-case scenarios, supporting eviction defense, and building solidarity across immigrant and housing justice movements.