Trump Unleashes Most Extensive Mass Deportation Drive, Targeting NYC, LA & Chicago

President Donald Trump has ordered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to carry out immigration raids in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago—cities led by Democratic leaders in strongly Democratic states. This initiative marks a significant escalation in a conflict that intensified in Los Angeles following large protests triggered by ICE operations targeting day laborers at local Home Depot stores.

In response to escalating unrest, Trump deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom. “I want ICE, Border Patrol, and our Great and Patriotic Law Enforcement Officers to FOCUS on our crime-ridden and deadly Inner Cities,” he stated on social media, referring specifically to cities with sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Trump’s directive follows a June 12 acknowledgment that his immigration policies were adversely affecting sectors like tourism and agriculture. He noted that farmers were struggling to replace skilled workers due to his administration’s stringent immigration regulations. Following discussions with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the president instructed ICE to pause operations on farms, yet advocates, such as the United Farm Workers, argue that enforcement actions have not halted.

“If President Trump is actually in charge, he needs to prove it: stop the sweeps on hardworking Californians,” the United Farm Workers said in a statement. A recent ICE raid in Omaha, Nebraska, detained around 80 workers at a meat processing plant, provoking protests in the area.

Emphasizing the seriousness of his directives, Trump described his recent post as a presidential order. “ICE Officers are herewith ordered… to achieve the very important goal of delivering the single largest Mass Deportation Program in History,” he wrote.

Notably, during a G7 Summit in Canada, Trump criticized Illinois Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker, alleging that Chicago is “overrun with criminals.” He claimed that cities run by Democrats were allowing non-citizens to vote in federal elections, a baseless assertion as this practice is illegal and rarely occurs.

Last week, a federal judge blocked Trump’s executive order aiming to require states to ensure voters provide proof of citizenship for federal elections. Pritzker, along with governors from Minnesota and New York, recently testified before Congress regarding their states’ refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

Trump’s directive to ICE coincided with widespread protests against his administration. Millions participated in “No Kings” demonstrations, aiming to rebuke his policies, particularly regarding immigration enforcement. The Los Angeles protests are particularly significant as they stand in direct opposition to federal operations.

Since returning to office, the Trump administration has expanded immigration officers’ powers for swift deportations. A policy reinstated during Trump’s second week in office allows for expedited removals. Immigrants without legal status who encounter federal enforcement must prove they have lived in the U.S. for over two years or face fast-tracked deportation without due process.