PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are not being specifically targeted by the Trump administration's crackdown on undocumented migrants in major US cities, according to Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz.
Malaysia's Ambassador to the US noted that this move was anticipated since Trump assumed office last month.
"What is happening now should not come as a surprise. The main thing we have to remember is that the crackdown is only for illegal immigrants. Those with proper documents will not be deported," he told The Star on Thursday (Feb 6).
Nazri stated that the enforcement is not selective towards any particular countries, citing the deportation of hundreds of illegal migrants, including those from Central American countries.
Earlier, Wisma Putra reported that Malaysia's Embassy in Washington has not received any formal notification from US authorities about claims that approximately 435 Malaysians have been issued final deportation orders.
The Foreign Ministry acknowledged the report concerning Malaysian nationals allegedly facing deportation under strict immigration policies, adding that no official requests for consular assistance have been received from the affected Malaysians.
ALSO READ: No formal notice received on 435 Malaysians facing deportation from US, says Wisma Putra
"The Embassy and our consulates in the US remain in close contact with relevant authorities and continue to engage with the Malaysian community to ensure their well-being and compliance with immigration regulations. We will provide updates as necessary," stated Wisma Putra on Thursday (Feb 6).
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed that 435 Malaysians are among the 1.44 million non-American citizens with final deportation orders.
According to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) data released in November last year, these 435 Malaysians are on ICE's non-detained docket with final removal orders, placing Malaysia in the mid-range of countries affected by deportations.
The data has drawn significant attention online following Trump's return to the White House this month, as his administration ramps up immigration enforcement efforts.
ICE has urged governments to confirm citizenship, issue travel documents promptly, and accept deportees via commercial or chartered flights, warning that non-compliance may result in a country being classified as uncooperative or at risk.
Currently, 15 countries, including China, India, and Pakistan, are listed as uncooperative, while 11 others, such as Vietnam and Iraq, are considered at risk.
Since the president took office on Jan 20, raids have occurred in cities including Chicago, New York, Denver, and Los Angeles.
