Raids targeting "sanctuary" cities and undocumented workers are set to commence as part of broader immigration enforcement efforts under Trump's administration.
Trump's First Day: Major Raids on Illegal Immigrants Planned
Trump's First Day: Major Raids on Illegal Immigrants Planned
Incoming "Border Tsar" Tom Homan announces nationwide crackdown on undocumented migrants starting from January 21.
Raids to detain and deport undocumented immigrants living illegally in the US are reportedly slated to begin on the first full day of Donald Trump's presidency, as per various US media sources. Tom Homan, appointed as the new "border tsar," is expected to lead these operations aimed at targeting cities that provide sanctuary for immigrants. Initial reports suggest that Chicago, known for its significant migrant population, could see the commencement of these raids as early as Tuesday, igniting renewed fears among the immigrant community.
Trump's administration has promised to initiate the largest deportation campaign in US history, with sources stating that operations will not only be conducted in Chicago but will also extend to other major cities such as New York City and Los Angeles. Homan has described Chicago as "ground zero" for anticipated mass deportations, hinting at a nationwide effort to apprehend undocumented migrants.
Historically, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has engaged in the regular deportation of undocumented individuals. However, the forthcoming operations will particularly focus on "sanctuary" jurisdictions that have restrictive policies in place limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement actions. Raids are anticipated to target locations with high concentrations of immigrant workers, including construction sites—an approach that was largely curtailed under the Biden administration.
In the backdrop of these developments, migrant communities are reportedly becoming increasingly worried and seeking guidance on how to navigate impending enforcement actions. Sarait Martinez, an advocate supporting Mexican farmworkers in California, emphasized that anxiety is palpable within these communities even before the new administration is officially sworn in.
The targeted enforcement efforts are expected to pose challenges alongside operational difficulties, such as limited space for detaining individuals apprehended during raids. Moreover, new proposed legislation, referencing a tragic incident involving a murder suspect, aims to mandate detention of undocumented migrants with criminal suspicions, even if they have not been formally charged with a crime.
As the nation prepares for Trump's sweeping immigration agenda, discussions continue on the balance between enforcement and the implications for millions of undocumented individuals who have built their lives in the US.
