Former First Lady Michelle Obama recently voiced her deep concerns about the state of immigration enforcement in the United States, particularly under the administration of President Donald Trump. Speaking on the podcast “On Purpose with Jay Shetty,” Obama described the current immigration policies as her "recent test of fear," highlighting their effects on migrants in her Chicago community.
The episode, released on Monday, featured candid discussions with her brother Craig Robinson on their upbringing and personal experiences with systemic racism. Obama, reflecting on a troubling incident from their childhood where Robinson was falsely accused of theft by a black police officer, drew parallels to the fears faced by immigrants and people of color in today's political climate.
Obama, now 61, acknowledged her privilege, citing her security detail and public recognition, yet her concern for others is palpable. "I worry for people of color all over this country, and I don't know that we will have the advocates to protect everybody," she expressed. She questioned how individuals could navigate daily life under the constant stress of being judged and having their lives upended on a whim.
While Obama refrained from directly naming President Trump, her comments seemed to address his administration's use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to expedite deportation procedures, a law from the John Adams era intended for use during wartime. Critics argue this interpretation bypasses legal channels and the rights of individuals to challenge their removal in court.
Despite the criticism of Trump's policies, Department of Homeland Security data and a New York Times report reveal that the Obama administration deported approximately 3.1 million individuals between 2009 and 2016, earning President Obama the moniker "Deporter-in-Chief" from some advocacy groups and progressives. In contrast, Trump deported around 2 million individuals during his first term, with intensified enforcement in his second term, including 271,484 removals reported in 2024 alone.
The discussion on the podcast, while deeply personal, touches on broader issues of immigration policy, systemic racism, and the responsibilities of national leaders. It also raises questions about the consistency of enforcement policies across different administrations and the impact of those policies on affected communities.
