Trump Administration Ramps Up ICE Operations Across Major US Cities
Trump Administration Ramps Up ICE Operations Across Major US Cities
Following President Donald Trump’s recent return to office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has dramatically escalated immigration enforcement operations across major American cities. The crackdown has resulted in thousands of arrests within the first week of the new administration.
ICE reported 956 arrests on Sunday, with an NBC News report indicating the actual number was closer to 1,200. Of these, only about 52% were classified as “criminal arrests,” with the remainder being nonviolent offenders or individuals whose only offense was illegal border crossing, a civil infraction.
Arrests continued to surge, with 1,179 reported on Monday. The administration, while asserting a focus on criminals, faces scrutiny over the apprehension of law-abiding migrants and those with permits. Officials have not provided data distinguishing between migrants with criminal histories and those without.
Sources familiar with the planning reveal the Trump administration intends to conduct major immigration raids in three U.S. cities weekly, describing operations as “all hands on deck.” Initial operations commenced Sunday in Chicago, followed by New York City on Tuesday. A planned operation in Aurora, Colorado, for Thursday was temporarily halted due to media leaks, which officials cited as an operational security risk.
These raids involve a coalition of federal agencies, including ICE, the U.S. Marshals Service, ATF, DEA, and FBI. Next week, three additional cities are expected to be targeted. ICE’s 25 field offices were reportedly instructed to meet a daily quota of 1,200 to 1,500 arrests, a claim disputed by Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, who stated the goal is to “get as many criminals as possible.”
Since inauguration, at least 4,829 arrests have been made, a significant increase from the Biden administration’s average of 282 daily arrests in September 2024. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem actively participated in operations in New York, stating the actions fulfill President Trump’s promise to enhance public safety. New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed collaboration with federal authorities for targeted arrests of violent criminals, while emphasizing protection for all law-abiding residents.
Operations have unfolded in numerous cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, Denver, Miami, Atlanta, various cities in Texas, Seattle, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. While some officials, like Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, support deporting violent offenders, they express concern over targeting those who follow the law. Sanctuary cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Juan have reiterated their policies prohibiting local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, with San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero expressing solidarity with affected families and offering support services.
Incidents include the arrest of a Honduran immigrant with a valid work permit and pending asylum case at an Atlanta church, and collateral arrests of individuals found near targeted subjects in North Texas, highlighting the broad impact of the intensified enforcement.
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