Federal officials are facing limitations in personnel, money, and temporary detention space, as cities prepare for a confrontation amid uncertainty about how Trump's offensive will unfold. New York Mayor Eric Adams met with Trump, and an advisor expressed the city’s willingness to collaborate with the new president. Meanwhile, in San Diego, the board of supervisors approved a policy to prohibit county agencies from cooperating with federal immigration authorities in mass deportations.
“We should be deporting criminals, not farmworkers,” stated Terra Lawson-Remer, one of three Democrats who voted in favor of the measure in San Diego. Trump has threatened to withhold federal funds unless cities and states comply with his demands. It is expected that the raids under the plan called Operation Safeguard will differ from previous actions by Immigration Services. The National Immigrant Justice Center advises immigrants to prepare for possible raids.
Representative Chuy García is collaborating with churches and community groups to inform migrants of their rights in the face of possible ICE actions. Chicago is expected to be a primary target. Jim Desmond, a Republican supervisor in San Diego, predicted that the policies would have little impact and that the courts would be resorted to if Trump violates the law. Homan's threats and the promises of protection from local authorities will mark the coming weeks and months.
Tom Homan, the border czar appointed by Trump, has set his sights on San Diego and Chicago as his first targets for mass deportations. Cities and local leaders have vowed to protect undocumented immigrants in defiance of Homan. The logistical details of the deportation operations have not yet been revealed, but it is expected to initially focus on violent criminals. Despite the executive orders anticipated by Trump, uncertainty reigns in states like California, where state laws limit cooperation with federal immigration agents.
The city of Chicago has reiterated its sanctuary position and refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, promising to protect its immigrant community. On the other hand, San Diego takes a similar stance. Trump’s team is planning a large raid in the city that will begin soon. Other places, such as Denver, also face similar challenges and are adopting different approaches to the change in administration. Tom Homan has focused his attention on cities like Chicago and San Diego, creating tensions with local authorities who promise to protect their immigrant communities.
