Polish officials in the U.S. are filing complaints against fellow Poles for immigration law violations, a trend highlighted in a Tygodnik Express report that has turned the diaspora into a charged environment.
US Immigration Policy Backdrop
After Donald Trump’s presidency, the U.S. intensified immigration enforcement, leading to more arrests and detentions of immigrants and citizens in homes, workplaces, and on the streets. The changes tightened visa controls, limited refugee entry, banned travel to certain destinations, and added procedural hurdles for legal migration. Citizens can now anonymously report violations on ice.gov, and sometimes receive monetary rewards for providing evidence that assists investigations.
Poles Report Poles for Immigration Violations
Tygodnik Express reported that Polish Americans are the main authors of complaints about immigration law breaches. One cited statement demanded the “arrest of this … my sister‑in‑law” and claimed she would be “blamed” for the fate of her son. The article linked to other harsh remarks threatening American residency for such offenders.
Criticism from Journalists and Community Leaders
RMF FM correspondent Paweł Żuchowski shared a photo of the newspaper on X and warned that local media are covering incidents within the Polish diaspora. He deplored that those who had long regularized their status are now being targeted and called the situation “sad” and “unacceptable.” He insisted every violator should face legal consequences, emphasizing the gravity of the case.
Voices from the Polish Diaspora
Interviews with Polish residents in the United States reveal fear and mistrust. Some men have withdrawn from community events to avoid scrutiny, while women express terror of leaving home, fear of audits, and anxiety that immigration authorities may be called. Others recount being afraid of deportation, fearing that rivals may file complaints or that only their ethnic peers will target them.
Community Impact and Conflicting Loyalties
Poles who have recently obtained documents admit that others do it for money, while some warn of growing tensions. The reporters mention that, in contrast, Mexican immigrants share information about police patrol locations and encourage those with clean records. People experiencing these conditions are encouraged to contact the publisher via email if they wish to share their stories.