Concerns Arise Over Immigration Policy Impacting Victims of Violence
Advocates nationwide are increasingly alarmed that the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies and anti-immigrant rhetoric are dissuading immigrant victims of violence from seeking help. A report from December 2025, issued by the Immigrant Survivors Alliance—a national network of advocates—reveals that nearly 70 percent of professionals working with survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking observed a reluctance among immigrant survivors to come forward, primarily due to fears of deportation. Alarmingly, more than a third of these professionals reported that clients opted to drop cases against their abusers because of these concerns.
Decrease in Assistance Requests Noted by Consulate General of Mexico
In San Diego, the Consulate General of Mexico reported a significant 40 percent decline in requests for assistance at its integrated women’s care desk from January to July 2025. Officials believe this downturn directly relates to heightened immigration concerns affecting the willingness of immigrant women to seek help.
New Agreement to Support Immigrant Survivors
To address these challenges, the Mexican Consul General and the District Attorney in San Diego recently signed an updated agreement aimed at facilitating cross-border assistance for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. Both officials are optimistic that the consulate’s involvement will foster trust among the immigrant community, encouraging more victims to step forward.
Building Trust Through Strategic Partnerships
Ambassador Alicia Kerber Palma expressed the importance of this partnership, stating that it would help dismantle barriers, strengthen community trust, and ensure that everyone has access to essential legal and psychological support, regardless of their immigration status. The memorandum of understanding, signed on March 26, 2026, at the Mexican Consulate General, grants consular officials access to various centers that provide crucial services for individuals who have experienced a range of abuses, including domestic violence, human trafficking, and child abuse.
Encouraging Reporting Through Community Outreach
Kerber Palma noted that her team has actively worked on initiatives to make immigrant women feel safe when reporting incidents. Since launching a campaign in August 2025, there has been a remarkable 172 percent increase in cases reported at the consulate. District Attorney Summer Stephan highlighted the success of One Safe Place South County, a support center currently assisting a woman from Tijuana who requires follow-up services, showcasing the cross-border collaboration facilitated by the new agreement.
Addressing Immigration Status Concerns in Support Services
Stephan assured that the One Safe Place Center does not inquire about immigration status, but these concerns frequently arise during conversations with survivors. The Trump administration’s recent policy modifications regarding U and T visas have intensified these anxieties, prompting advocates to initiate legal action against these changes. The new directives have reportedly led to some deported survivors being returned to the very abusers they sought protection from.
Additional Challenges Amid Political Climate
The challenges do not end there. Despite fluctuations in foot traffic, the two One Safe Place centers have not seen a decline since the return of Trump to power, although officials remain vigilant in monitoring the situation. Stephan remarked on the shared responsibility between Mexico and San Diego for the well-being of the many women and children who navigate life between the two countries. She emphasized her commitment to ensuring that every individual feels protected under the law.
In Other News
ICE transfers: A report indicated San Diego sheriffs transferred nearly three times as many individuals from jail to ICE custody in 2025 compared to 2024.
Detention Art: The significance of creating art for individuals in immigration custody was highlighted in recent coverage.
Agent indicted: A Border Patrol agent was indicted by a federal grand jury for the fatal shooting of an unarmed 19-year-old U.S. citizen in Calexico in 2022.
Population decline: San Diego experienced a population decline of over 5,000, attributed to a sharp decrease in immigration.
Gas prices: Despite rising fuel prices, there has not been an influx of U.S. residents traveling to Tijuana to fill their gas tanks.
Cross-border workers: Only 15 cross-border workers qualify for a FastPass to facilitate border crossing.
Jail visit: Representatives Sarah Jacobs and Mike Levin visited the Otay Mesa Detention Center recently, following prior notification of the facility.
Pet registration: A proposal for mandatory pet registration was quickly reversed by Tecate’s local government after backlash.
Valle Bus: A new bus station will be established in Baja California’s Valle de Guadalupe wine region to bolster tourism.
Holy Week: Faith leaders gathered at federal buildings in the week leading up to Easter to demonstrate continued support for immigrants.
