The truth about illegal immigrants has been hidden from the public. Now it’s out for all to see.
Because an illegal immigrant arrested by ICE has made an eyebrow-raising confession.
Sakiah Navas, whose husband, an undocumented immigrant, is currently held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), shared on Tuesday evening that her husband’s sense of “pride” prevented him from pursuing U.S. citizenship despite living in the country for 20 years.
Jose Navas, who arrived in the U.S. from El Salvador in 2003 without legal status, has been detained in West Texas since Sunday, according to KPRC. Sakiah explained to a reporter that her husband likely avoided seeking citizenship due to his “pride” and his desire to avoid the perception that he married her solely to gain legal status.
“I pushed for [his citizenship] years ago when [her daughter] was born almost 7 years ago. And he’s like, ‘but I don’t want it to look like that’s why I’m married to you’ and maybe even a part of it is pride, too, was what stood in the way,” Navas said. “But never because he didn’t want it to look like he’s using this country for that.”
According to KPRC, Jose was handed over to ICE after being found without a driver’s license and was subsequently moved to a detention facility in Eden, Texas. Sakiah described the facility as “completely packed” and claimed ICE agents were simply “shoving” undocumented immigrants into such centers.
The Trump administration has prioritized immigration enforcement, emphasizing the rule of law through targeted arrests and deportations of undocumented immigrants. Since the start of his term, over 95,000 undocumented immigrants have been arrested by ICE as of June 27, according to The New York Times. This aggressive approach has led to a record-high detention population, with over 56,000 individuals held in facilities nationwide as of June 20, marking a 40% increase from June 2024, per Human Rights Watch.
A significant portion of those detained—70%, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—have criminal convictions or pending charges. These offenses range from serious crimes like murder and s*xual assault to drug trafficking. This data aligns with the administration’s stated goal of prioritizing deportations of those with criminal records to uphold law and order.
Illegal Border Crossings Plummet Under Second Trump Admin
The administration’s stringent border policies have also contributed to a sharp decline in illegal border crossings. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported that June 2025 saw the lowest number of border crossings on record, a stark contrast to the over 2 million crossings recorded during the Biden administration. This reduction is attributed to enhanced border security measures, including increased patrols and stricter enforcement protocols.
Critics, including some Democratic lawmakers, have pushed back against these efforts. In Michigan, House Democrats introduced legislation on Tuesday to criminalize concealing the identities of ICE agents and other officers during operations, a move seen as an attempt to hinder enforcement activities. Such opposition highlights the contentious nature of immigration policy, with some arguing it undermines the legal framework the administration seeks to uphold.
The rule of law, as emphasized by the Trump administration, hinges on enforcing existing immigration statutes. Federal law mandates the detention and deportation of individuals residing in the U.S. without legal authorization, particularly those with criminal records. ICE’s operations align with these laws, targeting individuals who have violated immigration policies or committed crimes, as evidenced by the high percentage of detainees with criminal backgrounds.
Detention facilities, like the one in Eden, Texas, where Jose Navas is held, have faced scrutiny for overcrowding. Reports of packed centers reflect the scale of enforcement actions, with ICE managing a record number of detainees. The administration argues that these facilities are necessary to process deportations efficiently while ensuring public safety by removing individuals who pose risks.
The administration’s approach has sparked debate over its humanitarian implications. While supporters argue that strict enforcement deters illegal immigration and protects communities, critics contend that it disrupts families and communities. Cases like Jose Navas’, where personal choices like pride influenced legal status decisions, highlight the complex human stories behind enforcement actions.
Legal scholars note that the administration’s policies operate within the framework of existing immigration laws, such as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which grants federal authorities broad powers to detain and deport undocumented immigrants. The focus on criminal offenders aligns with executive orders issued early in Trump’s term, directing ICE to prioritize such cases to maximize public safety.
The Trump administration maintains that its actions restore respect for legal immigration processes. By prioritizing deportations of those with criminal records and reducing illegal crossings, the administration argues it is fulfilling its duty to enforce federal law while protecting national security. As enforcement continues, the debate over balancing law enforcement with humanitarian considerations will likely persist.
