News Summary
Immigrant families in Savannah are increasingly fearful as ICE raids intensify and the Folkston ICE Processing Center expands. The situation harkens back to traumatic immigration policies, such as family separations under the Trump Administration. Recent raids have targeted local workplaces, exacerbating anxiety among families. Activists raise concerns over the impact of increasing detentions and mental health issues within the Hispanic community, as local organizations struggle to meet the rising demand for support amidst this climate of fear.
Savannah – Immigrant families in Savannah are living in heightened fear as ICE raids escalate and the Folkston ICE Processing Center undergoes an expansion. This situation has intensified awareness of the lasting impacts of prior immigration policies, including family separations performed during the Trump Administration.
Increased scrutiny from ICE has caused many immigrant families to feel vulnerable and at risk of being separated. A 13-year-old girl recently shared her fears about her parents potentially being taken by ICE officers, reflecting the anxiety that has grown within the community since a mass event in 2011. The atmosphere is charged with apprehension following a series of raids targeting workplaces such as construction sites and particularly the Hyundai plant in Ellabell. A recent operation on September 4, 2025, led to the detention of approximately 475 individuals, underscoring the severe crackdown on immigrant populations.
The concerns of the immigrant community are further amplified by the planned expansion of the Folkston ICE Processing Center in Charlton County, which will increase its capacity to nearly 3,000 beds from 1,100. This $47 million project awarded to The Geo Group aims to merge the immigration processing center with existing correctional facilities, raising alarms among local activists and families who fear the implications of long-term detention.
Under the previous administration, the Trump Administration initiated a pilot program in 2017 that reportedly intentionally separated children from their mothers at the border, leading to the separation of over 5,000 children without a clear process for reunification. The severe backlash resulted in a federal judge ruling that these separations violated the constitutional right to family integrity, prompting the end of the policy with an executive order in June 2018. However, local advocates argue that the separation of families has merely transitioned from being a policy to becoming arrests by masked ICE agents.
State-level statistics indicate that as of August 24, 2025, there were 61,226 people detained across the country, an increase of 25,000 from the previous year. This escalation in detention is paralleled by a notable $75 billion increase in funding for ICE, aimed at expanding facilities and intensifying deportation initiatives.
In Savannah, local grassroots organizations are experiencing a dramatic surge in requests for assistance from families threatened by deportation. For example, Grow Initiative Georgia has reported an increase in calls for support from 15-20 each week to 15-20 each day since apprehensions increased. Local nonprofit groups are actively creating readiness manuals for immigrant families, outlining essential steps in case of arrests. These manuals include recommendations for gathering medical records and establishing emergency contacts.
The psychological toll on the Hispanic community in Savannah is becoming increasingly concerning, with mental health issues on the rise. Instances of bullying related to threats of calls to ICE have led to alarming consequences, including two children attempting suicide in response to these threats. Community leaders and mental health advocates are sounding the alarm over the mental health implications of rising deportation fears, which have been linked to deeper vulnerabilities within the Hispanic population.
Furthermore, the labor market in coastal Georgia relies heavily on immigrant workers, especially in the construction and hospitality sectors. The community is facing economic repercussions due to the tightening of immigration policies and the resultant unrest among immigrant families.
Efforts to combat these challenges are being spearheaded by local community leaders and organizations as they strive to provide support and resources to families living in fear of deportation. The future remains uncertain for many immigrant families grappling with the psychological, social, and economic impacts of increased ICE activity in Savannah.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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ICE Raids Hyundai’s Battery Plant in Georgia
Hyundai Expands Metaplant America in Georgia Amid Immigration Controversy
ICE Raids Hyundai’s Metaplant America, Detaining Workers
Concerns Rise After Immigration Raid at Hyundai Factory
Large Immigration Raid at Hyundai EV Plant in Ellabell
Federal Prosecutors Indict Church Leaders for Fraud Scheme
South Korean Businesses Halt Projects Following ICE Raids
South Korean Workers Deported After ICE Raid in Georgia
Massive Immigration Raid at Hyundai Battery Plant in Georgia
Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Families Fear Deportation
- Wikipedia: Immigration in the United States
- CBS News: South Korean Workers ICE Raid
- Google Search: Hyundai plant ICE raid
- The Guardian: Hyundai Factory ICE Raid
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Deportation
- New York Times: Georgia Battery Plant ICE Raid
- South China Morning Post: Conditions in ICE Detention
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
