As President-elect Donald Trump readies to take office, plans for a rapid and aggressive immigration enforcement strategy are being laid out. The operations, spearheaded by incoming "border tsar" Tom Homan, are anticipated to commence on the first full day of the new administration. According to sources reported by CBS, initial raids may begin in Chicago, known for its substantial migrant community.
Trump's Tough Stance on Immigration Set to Reshape Enforcement Policies
Trump's Tough Stance on Immigration Set to Reshape Enforcement Policies
New administration prepares for a wave of ICE raids targeting illegal migrants starting on January 21, with specific focus on 'sanctuary' cities.
Homan has made it clear that the raids will prioritize individuals identified as criminals and gang members. This echoes past promises made by Trump during his campaign to spearhead the largest deportation effort the U.S. has ever seen. While Trump did manage deportations during his first term, the total was lower than that of his predecessor, Democrat Barack Obama. The upcoming ICE operation is expected to target 'sanctuary' cities that have established regulations limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Reverend Emma Lozano, a community leader at Lincoln United Methodist Church in Chicago, expressed deep concern over family separations that could occur if primary caregivers are apprehended. Meanwhile, reports indicate that in addition to Chicago, cities like New York, Los Angeles, Denver, and Miami may also find themselves in the crosshairs of these crackdowns.
Despite Trump's commitment to focus initially on migrants with criminal records, there are fears that the scope might widen, affecting undocumented individuals who have lived in the U.S. for years without any offenses. This follows a trend anticipated to see the reintroduction of immigration raids at workplaces, particularly in sectors like construction where undocumented migrants are prevalent, a tactic abandoned under the Biden administration.
Moreover, the proposed Laken Riley Act, designed to strengthen detention protocols for illegal migrants suspected of committing crimes, is expected to progress through Congress next week, emphasizing the new administration's eagerness to alter immigration policy significantly.
With icy winds whipping through these cities, the potential arrival of ICE agents and increased raids leave many communities on edge, and the looming enforcement changes signal a dramatic pivot in federal immigration strategies.
Reverend Emma Lozano, a community leader at Lincoln United Methodist Church in Chicago, expressed deep concern over family separations that could occur if primary caregivers are apprehended. Meanwhile, reports indicate that in addition to Chicago, cities like New York, Los Angeles, Denver, and Miami may also find themselves in the crosshairs of these crackdowns.
Despite Trump's commitment to focus initially on migrants with criminal records, there are fears that the scope might widen, affecting undocumented individuals who have lived in the U.S. for years without any offenses. This follows a trend anticipated to see the reintroduction of immigration raids at workplaces, particularly in sectors like construction where undocumented migrants are prevalent, a tactic abandoned under the Biden administration.
Moreover, the proposed Laken Riley Act, designed to strengthen detention protocols for illegal migrants suspected of committing crimes, is expected to progress through Congress next week, emphasizing the new administration's eagerness to alter immigration policy significantly.
With icy winds whipping through these cities, the potential arrival of ICE agents and increased raids leave many communities on edge, and the looming enforcement changes signal a dramatic pivot in federal immigration strategies.
