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The incoming Trump administration is planning an aggressive expansion of immigration enforcement, targeting sanctuary cities and jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal authorities. Beginning this week, after President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is expected to deploy deportation teams in cities with large immigrant populations, including Chicago, according to sources familiar with the plans.
A Shift in Immigration Enforcement
Under President-elect Trump, ICE will dramatically widen its scope, undoing the Biden administration’s focus on prioritizing serious criminals, recent border-crossers, and national security threats. Trump’s policies will make virtually all undocumented immigrants vulnerable to arrest and deportation, including those without criminal records.
Speaking on Fox News, incoming White House “border czar” Tom Homan confirmed plans for a large-scale nationwide operation. “There’s gonna be a big raid all across the country,” Homan said, signaling the administration’s intent to ramp up enforcement immediately.
Targeting Sanctuary Cities
Sanctuary jurisdictions, which limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, are expected to be key targets. Cities like Chicago, which host large immigrant populations, will likely see significant ICE activity.
In addition to home and community raids, the administration plans to reinstate workplace immigration enforcement. Large-scale arrests at worksites employing undocumented immigrants will resume, a practice halted during the Biden administration.
Impact on Immigrant Communities
The prospect of expanded ICE operations has sparked fear among immigrant communities and advocates. Under Trump’s policies, so-called “collateral arrests” — where undocumented immigrants encountered during enforcement operations are detained regardless of criminal history — are set to increase.
While the incoming administration has stated that those with criminal records will remain a priority, Homan emphasized that no undocumented immigrant would be exempt from enforcement.
Concerns and Opposition
Immigrant advocates and local leaders in sanctuary cities have voiced strong opposition to the incoming administration’s plans. They argue that large-scale raids could sow fear, disrupt families, and deter immigrants from cooperating with local law enforcement or accessing essential services.
The announcement comes as Trump prepares to deliver on campaign promises to launch the largest deportation effort in U.S. history. His pledge to crack down on illegal immigration has been a cornerstone of his platform, but critics warn that the approach could strain resources and damage trust between immigrant communities and government agencies.
Next Steps
As Trump prepares to take office Monday, the proposed changes to immigration enforcement signal a sharp departure from the Biden administration’s policies. The first wave of nationwide raids is expected to begin soon after the inauguration, with sanctuary cities bearing the brunt of the operations.
