In the wake of the 2024 election, where Donald Trump was re-elected president, a panel of experts gathered to discuss the potential implications for Texas and its diverse communities. The discussion, hosted by Ethnic Media Services, examined the election’s effects on immigration, reproductive health, and voting trends.
Kristen Etter, Director of Policy and Legal Services at the Texas Immigration Law Council, raised alarms about the incoming administration’s plans for mass deportations, which are expected to begin immediately after inauguration.
“Mass deportations threaten not just immigrants and their families but all of us,” Etter said, warning of widespread economic and social disruptions. Texas, she explained, is poised to be the epicenter of these actions due to infrastructure already established under Operation Lone Star. She highlighted the risks to mixed-status families and lawfully present immigrants who could lose their status overnight under expected policy reversals.
The panel also explored the impact of the election on reproductive rights. Dr. Carla Braley, a sociology professor and public policy fellow, described Texas as “ground zero” for the likely rollback of women’s rights. She expressed particular concern for Black maternal health outcomes, which already lag significantly behind national averages.
“This is going to have a tremendous impact on girls, families, and women, particularly those in vulnerable communities,” Braley said, linking access to reproductive care with broader issues of gender equity and economic stability.
Voting trends among ethnic communities were another focal point of the discussion. While Black voters overwhelmingly supported Vice President Kamala Harris, with preliminary data showing over 90% of Black women casting their votes for her, Black men showed a modest but notable increase in support for Trump compared to previous elections. Dr. Geronimo Cortina, a political scientist, noted that Latino voters are not a monolithic bloc, despite narratives of a major shift toward the Republican Party. “Latinos are voting based on their lived realities, and it’s not about ideological realignment but rather how well campaigns speak to their immediate concerns,” Cortina said.
The conversation also touched on the future of diversity and equity efforts, particularly in education. Braley highlighted the challenges ahead, noting ongoing attacks on programs promoting diversity and inclusion in Texas. These efforts, she argued, threaten to erode opportunities for marginalized communities and dilute critical thinking in education.
The panel concluded with calls for action and unity. Etter urged Texans to engage with state legislators as new immigration enforcement bills are introduced, warning that their outcomes will shape the lives of millions. Braley called for collective mobilization, emphasizing the need for hope and consistent advocacy to push for social justice.
“This is one election,” Braley said, “but we must remain focused on the work ahead to ensure that every person has a chance to thrive in this country.”
