Immigration Lawyer Targeted by Disturbing Email Threat

News Summary

Carlos Trujillo, a prominent immigration lawyer, received a shocking email from the Department of Homeland Security demanding he leave the U.S. Amidst similar threats to his clients, this incident highlights a growing trend targeting immigrant communities. Advocates raise concerns over the fear tactics employed by the government, emphasizing the need for clear communication and continued support for affected individuals.

Immigration Lawyer Receives Disturbing Email Threat

In a shocking incident, Carlos Trujillo, a prominent immigration lawyer and partner at Trujillo Acosta Law in South Jordan, has become the target of an alarming campaign by Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). On April 11, 2025, Trujillo received an email from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that left him shaken. The email unnervingly instructed him to leave the United States, ending with the foreboding warning, “The federal government will find you.” Trujillo, who has lived in the U.S. legally for over a decade after gaining citizenship, initially believed the message was meant for one of his clients. The realization that it was directed at him caused immediate concern.

Disturbing Trend Among Immigrants

Trujillo’s experience is not isolated; he is part of a broader pattern affecting numerous immigrants. Reports indicate that over 50 of Trujillo’s clients received similar notices ordering them to leave the country. These emails signal a troubling trend wherein the government employs an aggressive digital communication strategy to convey dire messages about immigration status, prompting widespread panic within minority communities. Recipients of these messages expressed serious concerns about persecution if forced to return to their home countries, such as Venezuela.

Fear Tactics Under Trump’s Volatile Policies

Trujillo, an immigration advocate deeply connected to Utah’s immigrant population, speculated that these emails were designed to instill fear among vulnerable communities. This distressing tactic has drawn criticism amidst an environment that remains increasingly unstable due to shifting immigration policies. Trujillo, who has long fought for immigrant rights, expressed hope that the email he received was a mistake, yet he cannot ignore the potential implications of such a campaign. Advocates warn that these tactics will only create more fear among individuals who already face significant challenges in the current political climate.

An Unprecedented Communication Strategy

Historically, immigration notifications have been communicated through conventional formats like U.S. mail and government online portals. The sudden reliance on email not only confuses recipients but has also raised significant security concerns. The email that triggered panic among immigration attorneys was flagged by anti-phishing software when its address was shared with the media. CBP acknowledged that its known email addresses may inadvertently include immigration attorneys and stated it would monitor communications on a case-by-case basis, signaling a need for clarity moving forward.

The Economic Impact of Immigration Policy

Beyond the immediate turmoil caused by the mass email campaign, experts point to the broader economic repercussions of immigration policies. Trujillo emphasized the critical contributions immigrants make to the economy, particularly when they are allowed to work legally. Such individuals not only contribute taxes but also bolster housing stability within their communities. The recent extension of temporary protected status (TPS) for Venezuelans and Salvadorans until 2026 aims to address the ongoing volatility in their home countries while permitting time for asylum seekers to stabilize their situations in the U.S.

A Call for Continued Advocacy and Education

Community leaders, including Trujillo, stress the importance of educating immigrants on their rights and the avenues available for self-advocacy. Amidst the chaos of changing immigration policies, the call for clear communication and guidance is louder than ever. As the environment becomes more complex, organizations and advocates must strive to offer support and explain legal rights to those affected, ensuring that individuals are not left in the dark.

The Road Ahead

As Trujillo moves forward, the experience he endured will remain a notable reminder of the precariousness and volatility that many immigrants in the U.S. face. Jesus, a client who fled persecution from Venezuela, represents just one of the many individuals at risk in this unpredictable landscape. With an estimated 15,000 individuals in Utah alone potentially impacted by these policies, the urgent need for legal support and advocacy has never been more critical. The community’s push for fair immigration policies will continue amid these unsettling communications from the federal government.