SALT LAKE CITY — Carlos Trujillo, a naturalized U.S. citizen and immigration attorney in Salt Lake City, was shocked to receive an email on April 11 ordering him to self-deport within seven days. The message began with a direct line: “It’s time for you to leave.”
Trujillo, who has lived in the United States for 24 years and gained citizenship more than a decade ago, said the message had “threatening language” and urged the immigrant community to stay informed and know their rights. He emphasized that many of those who received similar notices are in the country legally.
He is not alone. According to the Associated Press, the Department of Homeland Security sent similar emails to hundreds of thousands of people across the U.S. in what appears to be a system error linked to the rollback of a Biden-era policy. That policy had allowed certain groups to stay and work in the country temporarily.
“I know the laws of this country. I am not leaving. I am not deportable,” Trujillo said. “But I do want everybody to know that these kinds of things are happening.”
Trujillo has been practicing law for 13 years, with over a decade focused on immigration through his firm, Trujillo Acosta Law. He said he does not believe the email was a personal attack or related to his work with the community, but simply a mistake.
Still, he raised concerns about national immigration policy. “Our communities are diverse, respectful of the law, and hardworking. But they are being mischaracterized,” he said.
Christopher Vizcardo, another immigration attorney at Trujillo Acosta Law, called the emails a “fear tactic.” He said people receiving these messages should not panic. “You don’t have to buy a plane ticket. You need a deportation order from a judge. And 98% of those affected don’t have one,” he explained.
Vizcardo also pointed out a troubling contradiction: “The government says it’s deporting dangerous individuals, but what we’re seeing is a much broader sweep.”
Attorney Adam Crayk echoed those concerns, saying faulty technology may be responsible for the messages. He recommended responding to the emails to seek clarification and warned against overreliance on automated systems. “We can’t let technology make every decision. Human oversight is essential,” he said.
Crayk added that Trujillo, as a naturalized citizen, has no obligation to leave. If someone in a different immigration status received such a message, they would need to explore legal options such as applying for asylum or filing a lawsuit.
The situation has drawn attention across Utah. Several families in Millcreek also reported receiving similar letters. One email warned recipients that “the federal government will find you” if they didn’t leave within seven days.
Jim McConkie, a lawyer representing some of those families, said they are lawfully in the country. “It’s unimaginable. These are scare tactics based on misrepresentations,” he said. “It’s morally and legally wrong, and it must be challenged.”
In recent weeks, some universities in Utah have also seen international students lose their visas due to unclear government actions. In one case, a BYU student had his visa reinstated after a lawsuit was filed.
Despite the uncertainty, Trujillo remains committed to helping others. “I have a ton of work to do for my community,” he said. “All I want to do is just keep up the good fight.”
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