Amid speculations around a significant shift in immigration policy, incoming Trump administration has set the stage for extensive raids targeting illegal migrants across major US cities, starting immediately after inauguration.
Trump Administration Promises Mass Raids on Illegal Migrants from Day One
Trump Administration Promises Mass Raids on Illegal Migrants from Day One
New US administration plans sweeping ICE operations aimed at undocumented immigrants.
In a move that could reshape the immigration landscape, the incoming Trump administration has pledged to initiate mass raids aimed at detaining and deporting undocumented immigrants as early as the first full day in office. "Border tsar" Tom Homan has indicated that operations will begin in cities like Chicago, which has a considerable immigrant community, and may spread nationwide shortly thereafter.
These operations are expected to violate the sanctuary status of numerous cities that have opted to limit their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. According to reports from the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Denver, and Miami could also see ICE raids shortly after Trump’s inauguration.
In a recent interview with Fox News, Homan stated, "You’re going to look for a lot of ICE agents in your city looking for criminals and gang members. Count on it. It will happen.” This statement underscores the administration's intent to pursue a strict immigration enforcement policy, which could affect not only those with criminal histories, but all undocumented migrants, including those who have lived peacefully in the US for years.
During Biden's administration, ICE had largely focused its efforts on undocumented individuals posing serious criminal threats. However, the Trump team has hinted at a broader approach, targeting a wide swath of undocumented individuals, leading to substantial community concerns.
Moreover, reports indicate that traditional practices of conducting raids at construction sites frequented by undocumented workers, previously halted under the Biden administration, could see a resurgence. Migrant agricultural workers are increasingly seeking resources and guidance concerning these anticipated changes, reflecting a growing atmosphere of fear amidst the uncertainty of future immigration procedures.
The potential shift will also be accompanied by legislative efforts such as the proposed Laken Riley Act, which would mandate the detention of undocumented migrants suspected of criminal activity. As the new administration prepares to take office, community organizations are already noting a heightened sense of apprehension among undocumented populations.
These operations are expected to violate the sanctuary status of numerous cities that have opted to limit their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. According to reports from the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Denver, and Miami could also see ICE raids shortly after Trump’s inauguration.
In a recent interview with Fox News, Homan stated, "You’re going to look for a lot of ICE agents in your city looking for criminals and gang members. Count on it. It will happen.” This statement underscores the administration's intent to pursue a strict immigration enforcement policy, which could affect not only those with criminal histories, but all undocumented migrants, including those who have lived peacefully in the US for years.
During Biden's administration, ICE had largely focused its efforts on undocumented individuals posing serious criminal threats. However, the Trump team has hinted at a broader approach, targeting a wide swath of undocumented individuals, leading to substantial community concerns.
Moreover, reports indicate that traditional practices of conducting raids at construction sites frequented by undocumented workers, previously halted under the Biden administration, could see a resurgence. Migrant agricultural workers are increasingly seeking resources and guidance concerning these anticipated changes, reflecting a growing atmosphere of fear amidst the uncertainty of future immigration procedures.
The potential shift will also be accompanied by legislative efforts such as the proposed Laken Riley Act, which would mandate the detention of undocumented migrants suspected of criminal activity. As the new administration prepares to take office, community organizations are already noting a heightened sense of apprehension among undocumented populations.
