Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Thousands of Indonesian nationals in the United States are at risk of deportation following new immigration policies enacted by President Donald Trump. Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) reports that 4,276 Indonesian citizens could be affected.
“There are 4,276 Indonesian nationals among the 1.4 million foreign nationals in the U.S. who are included in the ‘final order’ list,” said Judha Nugraha, Director of the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a press briefing in Jakarta on Friday (February 14, 2025), as reported by Antara.
Judha explained that those listed under the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Final Order of Removal are subject to potential deportation. Final Order of Removal was a legal ruling mandating an individual’s departure from the country.
Judha noted that these Indonesian nationals were found to lack proper documentation to remain in the U.S and could face a risk of deportation. However, despite being on the ICE list, He emphasized that these individuals have not been detained or arrested. Instead, they are required to report regularly to ICE offices.
The Indonesian government is urging its citizens in the U.S. to understand their legal rights and comply with the new regulations. “We advise Indonesian nationals in the U.S. to ‘know your rights’ so they are aware of the legal protections available to them,” Judha stated.
Among these rights are The right to consular access and communication with Indonesian diplomatic representatives, The right to legal representation, The right to remain silent and not make any statements without an attorney present.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic missions in the U.S. have been coordinating virtually to develop protective measures for Indonesian nationals at risk of deportation.
Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
Since taking office as the 47th U.S. president in January, Trump has issued a series of executive orders tightening immigration enforcement. His administration has ramped up mass deportations and crackdowns on undocumented immigrants.
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Trump has stated that the removal of illegal immigrants will be enforced nationwide, targeting individuals without proper documentation, particularly those who cannot prove they have resided in the U.S. for more than two years.
Additionally, the president has suspended the entry of all undocumented migrants and ordered border patrol agents to turn away individuals without granting them the opportunity to apply for asylum.
However, Judha assured that Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to monitor the situation and urged Indonesian nationals in the U.S. to contact the nearest Indonesian consulate if detained by U.S. authorities.
(Raidi/Agung)
