U.S. authorities carried out an operation that resulted in the arrest of 538 undocumented immigrants and the deportation of hundreds more, according to an official statement from the White House. This action comes less than a week after Donald Trump's inauguration, who has reinforced measures at the borders after declaring a 'national emergency.'
Karoline Leavitt, the president's press secretary, announced that 'the Trump Administration has arrested 538 illegal criminal immigrants' and that 'hundreds of them have been deported on military planes.' For his part, Cabrera highlighted the intimidating effect of the law, stating: 'We are in a moment of transition, but this law already sends a very cold message, that no immigrant in the United States is safe, even if they have papers.'
During his campaign for a second term, Trump promised to take severe action against illegal immigration and continue with the policies he could not implement during his first term. This regulation, backed by 262 votes in the House of Representatives and 64 in the Senate, allows detentions for minor offenses, such as shoplifting, leaving these individuals in ICE custody.
Jorge Mario Cabrera, spokesperson for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), warned about the implications of this new legislation in an interview with RFI. 'This proposal seeks to expand the number of people who can be deported, even if they have only been accused of minor crimes, like stealing candy or participating in a fight,' he detailed. The implicit message of this measure has generated a sense of vulnerability among migrant communities, affecting even those with legal documents.
The list of detainees includes an individual suspected of terrorism, four members of the Venezuelan criminal gang 'El Tren de Aragua,' as well as several convicted of sexual offenses against minors. Leavitt emphasized that 'the largest mass deportation operation in history is underway.'
Cabrera explained that the law significantly expanded the range of people susceptible to deportation, including those who only face accusations for minor offenses. Meanwhile, Congress, with a Republican majority, approved this week a controversial legislation that expanded the possibilities of preventive incarceration for foreigners suspected of crimes. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka condemned an operation by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a local establishment, pointing out that undocumented residents and U.S. citizens were detained without court orders, calling the action 'atrocious.'
However, this implementation of policies has sparked criticism in various regions of the country. Promises made, promises kept.
