The Philippines is preparing for the potential deportation of Filipinos from the United States, although no large-scale deportations have been reported yet.

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac said that the government has not seen significant deportations despite concerns over US President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

Cacdac noted that the Philippines maintains strong ties with the US, and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo remains in regular contact with American officials.

However, Cacdac added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the DMW to prepare contingency plans for mass deportations.

“As our head of state, he is the one engaging with President Trump. At the same time, he has instructed us to prepare for this possibility,” Cacdac said.

Data from Pew Research Center estimates 4.1 million Filipino Americans lived in the US as of 2022, making up 17 percent of the country’s total Asian-American population.

Trump’s administration is known for its hardline stance on immigration.

Since getting a second term, Trump has implemented various measures aimed at reducing both legal and illegal immigration, including the controversial “zero-tolerance” policy that resulted in family separations at the US-Mexico border.