Kwame, a Ghanaian Teacher in the U.S., Speaks on the Impact of ICE Raids on Schools and Businesses
Kwame, a Ghanaian teacher based in Denver, Colorado, recently appeared as our regular guest on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide with DJ Nyaami to discuss the effects of recent ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operationson immigrant communities, schools, and businesses.
According to Kwame, Denver and Texas have become hotspots for asylum seekers, particularly Mexicans. Many immigrants, including those without legal documents (Nkrataa), settle in these areas because they have friends and relatives there.
However, following intensified ICE operations, many undocumented immigrants have gone into hiding. Kwame shared that in one of his classes, which typically has 26 students, only 11 showed up. In another, out of 28 students, only 9attended.
A student told him that Mondays see the lowest attendance because many people fear arrest. Reports indicate that ICE officials attempted to arrest students in Chicago, but school authorities refused to allow it.
In response, some immigrant communities organized a protest called “A Day Without Immigrants”, where people boycotted school and work to avoid possible arrest.
Kwame explained that immigrants, especially Hispanics, dominate sectors such as construction, handyman services, and delivery jobs. Due to the ICE raids, many undocumented workers have disappeared, causing labor shortages.
Delivery times, for example, which used to be fast and efficient, now take 35 minutes to an hour because many Hispanic workers have stopped working.
He also mentioned that places like Home Depot, where immigrants often find work under the table, are now desertedbecause people fear arrest. This has also affected grocery stores, which now feel like cemeteries due to the absence of immigrant customers.
Kwame advised immigrants with documents (Nkrataa) to always carry copies of their legal papers while keeping the originals safe at home. He warned that ICE officers could conduct random checks at schools, workplaces, and grocery stores. He added that his school district even sent teachers a message advising them to always have their legal documents on hand.
Kwame noted that U.S. agricultural production heavily relies on immigrant labor, and the 15% tariff on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China is already affecting food supply. He warned that if ICE continues arresting undocumented farmworkers, the U.S. could face serious food shortages.
He also believes former President Trump wants immigration to be more structured and may introduce policies to allow more legal migration for agricultural jobs.
Kwame, who has lived in the U.S. for 7 years, teaches students aged 12-14. He expressed concerns about the emotional toll on children, as many documented kids feel sad and distracted after seeing their undocumented friends disappear.
He also shared a personal experience where a student spat on him. While he initially wanted to react, he knew that U.S. laws protect children, so he could only report the incident. A security officer even advised him to sue, but the student later apologized.
Despite the challenges, Kwame remains focused on his long-term goals. He plans to return to Ghana once he meets his target, as he believes life is better there. He currently lives in the U.S. with his wife but is already considering moving back home in the future.
Kwame’s story highlights the deep impact of immigration policies on education, businesses, and daily life, showing how communities are navigating these difficult times.
Watch The Video Here:
