DACA in Jeopardy: Arrests of Beneficiaries Fuel New Immigration Debate

• Dreamers arrested without warning
• Arrests spark national concern
• DACA faces new restrictions

According to Los Angeles Times, some recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program have been arrested amid the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement.

The program, created in 2012 to protect Dreamers from deportation and allow them to work legally, is now facing stricter scrutiny.

Attorneys and DACA-advocacy groups say the recent arrests reveal a shift in how immigration policy is being applied.

One of the most notable cases is that of Yaakub Vijandre, who was detained in October in the Dallas area.

Detention of Dreamers triggers alarm

Some DACA beneficiaries have been arrested in Trump’s immigration crackdown. https://t.co/IBfoHMZv6G

— desopinion.com (@Desopinioncom) November 25, 2025

Vijandre was getting ready for work when several vehicles stopped in front of his home. Federal agents stepped out and aimed a weapon at him.

According to his attorneys, Vijandre told them he was arrested over social media posts.

The Trump administration argued that his posts glorified terrorism, referencing one about Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

His lawyer maintains the posts are protected by free speech and that the government has not provided specific evidence.

Arrests of DACA beneficiaries increase under new policies

Vijandre is among approximately twenty DACA beneficiaries detained since Trump took office, according to the Home is Here campaign.

Organizations state these arrests mark a shift in how Dreamers’ status is evaluated.

Previously, individuals at risk of losing DACA received warnings and had an opportunity to contest the decision before any arrest.

Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin stated that individuals claiming DACA are not automatically protected from deportation.

Authorities intensify scrutiny and detentions

McLaughlin explained that DACA does not provide legal status and may be revoked for criminal activity or national-security concerns.

The administration expanded social-media screening for visa, residency, and immigration-benefit applicants.

Vijandre, detained in Georgia, had been notified that his DACA status would be terminated — but was not given a chance to defend himself.

Other DACA beneficiaries have questioned the legality of their arrests and the procedures used by authorities.

DACA arrests involve multiple cases in Texas

Catalina “Xóchitl” Santiago was arrested in August despite presenting her valid work permit.

Days later, Paulo Cesar Gamez Lira was detained while returning home with his children after a medical appointment.

His attorneys said Gamez Lira suffered a dislocated shoulder and was held for a month.

Attorney Marisa Ong stated that neither beneficiary received notice of the government’s intent to end their DACA protection.

Attorneys question procedure and motives behind detentions

Ong argued that DACA beneficiaries have a constitutionally protected interest in their continued liberty.

She added that the government must provide valid reasons before carrying out any detention.

Homeland Security said Santiago had prior charges for trespassing and drug possession.

The agency also claimed that Gamez Lira previously faced marijuana-related charges.

Cases expose legal and political tensions

Attorneys for multiple Dreamers stated that no evidence of misconduct was presented.

Organizations fear the administration is attempting to dismantle DACA through targeted restrictions.

The program survived an attempted termination in 2020 after a Supreme Court decision.

Yet new court rulings and state-level restrictions have limited key benefits such as work permits.