The wall is not only at the southern border: it rises in everyday life, in the barriers imposed by prejudice, uncertainty, and the fear of deportation. Places once considered safe have now become sites of apprehension and surveillance.

Imagine living surrounded by invisible walls built by fear and intolerance. In the United States, thousands of undocumented immigrants face an increasingly hostile reality, intensified by a widely reported reversal of protections that have prevented Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from operating in schools, hospitals, and churches.

But instead of building more barriers, how can we create bridges and find solutions to a problem that is already affecting our own student community?

After the tightening of deportation policies, many immigrant communities, including international students in Solano County, live with uncertainty and unease. In the heart of these communities, movements like “Un Día Sin Inmigrantes” (“A Day without Immigrants”) have become a silent but powerful form of protest. In cities like Vallejo, Fairfield and Vacaville, where the immigrant population is significant, these acts of unity highlight the vital contributions immigrants make to the local economy and everyday life.

“It feels like our existence is invisible until it is threatened,” says a student at Solano Community College, who wishes to remain anonymous.

Although so far there have been no reports of immigration enforcement in Solano County, anxiety persists.

Last week, the Associated Students of Solano College (ASSC) held a Zoom meeting with students and faculty to discuss how to respond to the current climate. During the meeting, they explored ways to counsel students who are unsure about their immigration status or who have family members outside that status.

Additionally, Solano Community College reaffirmed its commitment to students by posting a statement on its Instagram account, emphasizing that student safety is a top priority. The college also clarified that there were no immigration enforcement actions on or near campus and assured students of its commitment to their protection and academic success.

However, these worries exist in the broader context of an American society deeply divided on the issue of immigration.

According to a November 2024 poll, 57% of Americans support mass deportation policies, but this support decreases when the impact on families is considered. Only 38% of respondents would support separating families because of these policies.

These numbers reflect the tension that immigrant communities face.

But beyond statistics and political debates, the reality remains deeply personal for those affected. For many undocumented immigrants, every day is filled with doubt: not just about their future, but about whether they will be able to continue their studies, keep their jobs, or even stay with their families.

As discussions on immigration policies continue to shape the country’s political landscape, the question remains: will the United States build more walls, or will it find ways to bridge the divide? The answer will determine not only the future for the students and families in Solano County and beyond, but also the values that this nation chooses to uphold.

What are your thoughts on the potential for immigration raids in Solano County schools, hospitals and churches? Let us know in the comments.