Over the past year, many Hondurans in the US living without legal papers have sent more money to their families back home than ever before. This surge is driven by fear of deportation under President Donald Trump’s strict immigration enforcement. Honduran Uber driver Elías Padilla planned to migrate to the US but is now holding off after seeing people being arrested in major US cities. "I want to improve my life conditions because we earn very little here," he says, "but Trump's actions have made me think twice." Remittances to Honduras rose 26% from January to October compared to the previous year. Hondurans sent $10.1 billion home in just nine months of 2024, surpassing $9.7 billion sent all of 2023. Marcos, who works in US construction, increased his money sent home from $500 monthly to $300 weekly, preparing for possible arrest. "It's like a race against time," he says. The crackdown has tightened the people-smuggling trade too. Jimmy, a former smuggler, says prices have doubled, now costing $25,000 to $30,000 per person. "People are still getting through," he says, but fewer can afford the hike. Elías has paused his plans to migrate due to these risks. "Trump has only postponed my plans, not cancelled them," he insists. Many Hondurans share his worries but hope upcoming political changes in Honduras will improve local conditions. Meanwhile, the US crackdown is reshaping migration and money flows.