United States President Donald Trump has acted swiftly on his campaign promises by signing a series of executive orders targeting immigration policy shortly after his inauguration on Monday, January 20. These orders include the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants and the elimination of birthright citizenship—often referred to as “anchor baby” status—for children born in the U.S. to parents without legal status.
Reactions to these measures have varied, with some seeking legal recourse while others call for community solidarity. Among the impacted groups is the Guyanese community in Queens, New York, many of whom visibly supported Trump’s campaign. Now, the streets of Jamaica, Queens, are eerily quiet, and District Leader Albert Baldeo has taken to TikTok to urge his fellow Guyanese not to report undocumented immigrants to authorities.
Drawing a parallel to the Christian story of Judas betraying Christ, Baldeo made a heartfelt plea, saying, “Do not get involved in complaining against each other. Mind your own business. Do not sell your soul for any money that’s been offered.” His statement refers to a financial reward announced by the Trump administration for reporting undocumented individuals to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to Baldeo, the sum offered in New York is $135.
The community’s response to Baldeo’s plea has been mixed. Some argue that Trump supporters within the Guyanese community cannot have it both ways, having voted for policies that now impact their own people.
Meanwhile, in Guyana, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo addressed the issue during a press conference, signaling a shift in policy. Jagdeo announced that Guyana is prepared to accept deportees, a departure from the People’s Progressive Party’s stance in the 1990s, when it resisted U.S. deportations.
“We believe that if our country can absorb people who come from Venezuela—most of whom are Guyanese and a few non-Guyanese—and if they’re working and living here decently, then why shouldn’t we do that for our own people?” Jagdeo stated.
