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The Trump administration has launched a sweeping immigration crackdown, leading to thousands of arrests in major U.S. cities. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), alongside other federal agencies, has been conducting coordinated enforcement operations, targeting undocumented individuals, including some with no criminal history.
According to ICE, 956 individuals were arrested on Sunday alone. However, an NBC News report found that the actual number was closer to 1,200, with nearly 52% being classified as “criminal arrests.” The rest were nonviolent offenders or individuals whose only offense was crossing the border illegally, which is considered a civil, not criminal, violation.
A Nationwide Operation Targeting Immigrants
The raids have unfolded across multiple cities, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, Denver, Phoenix, and more. ICE has also set quotas, instructing field offices to arrest between 1,200 and 1,500 people daily.
Tom Homan, Trump’s newly appointed border czar, denied the existence of quotas but confirmed the administration’s aggressive stance. “The goal is to get as many criminals as possible off the streets,” Homan said.
Concerns Over Law-Abiding Migrants Being Targeted
Despite claims that the raids primarily target criminals, reports indicate that individuals with valid work permits and pending asylum cases have also been detained. I
Sanctuary Cities Push Back
Leaders in Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, have condemned the raids, reaffirming their commitment to protecting law-abiding immigrants.
“Chicago police are not involved in ICE’s activity,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson, emphasizing the city’s sanctuary status. Similarly, San Juan’s Mayor Miguel Romero stated, “Our city will not collaborate with these operations.”
More Raids Expected in the Coming Weeks
The Trump administration plans to expand enforcement efforts, targeting three additional cities per week. As arrests continue to rise, immigration advocates warn of widespread fear and disruption within immigrant communities.
With over 4,829 arrests since Trump’s inauguration, this crackdown marks a sharp escalation in U.S. immigration enforcement policies.
