Last week, President Donald Trump along with his border czar Tom Homan took strong measures against illegal immigration, thus fulfilling their campaign promises. Trump has announced that he will focus on deporting the approximately 11 million people residing in the country without authorization. Although they have stated that they will initially focus on violent criminals, migrant communities, especially in cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, are experiencing moments of anxiety over the possibility of mass raids that could also affect those without criminal records.
According to reports from the New York Times, ICE agents have been granted the ability to deport migrants who are in the country under temporary programs established during Joe Biden's administration, which includes more than a million people. In response to this situation, migrant rights advocates across the country are providing training on residents' rights, and even in some schools, cards have been distributed to children with instructions on what to do in case federal immigration agents arrive at their homes.
Trump has ordered an increase in military presence at the border to prevent the illegal entry of migrants. The Department of Defense has also announced the use of military planes to facilitate the deportations of around 5,000 migrants detained in El Paso and San Diego. Furthermore, in his first days in office, Trump declared a 'national emergency' at the border with Mexico and authorized the detention of migrants in places previously considered 'safe' such as schools, churches, and hospitals.
Amid these actions, the Trump administration has arrested 538 undocumented individuals involved in criminal activities, including alleged terrorists, gang members, and those convicted of sexual offenses. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, hundreds of migrants deemed criminals have been deported on military planes. These situations have generated criticism from local authorities, such as the mayor of Newark and a Democratic congresswoman, who have denounced raids without proper judicial orders.
In summary, the actions undertaken by the Trump administration regarding immigration have fulfilled the president's campaign promises, generating various reactions both nationally and locally.
