Raids Targeting Undocumented Migrants Set to Commence Under New Administration
As the new administration of President-elect Donald Trump takes office, plans are underway for significant operations aimed at detaining and deporting undocumented migrants residing in the United States. Sources have informed CBS, a partner of BBC in the US, that these actions could commence as early as Tuesday in cities like Chicago, which is home to a substantial immigrant community.
Aiming for Historic Deportation Efforts
Trump has pledged to implement what he describes as the most extensive deportation initiative in American history. Tom Homan, designated as Trump’s “border czar,” has indicated that these raids will primarily focus on individuals with criminal backgrounds and gang affiliations. In a recent Fox News interview, Homan emphasized that a major nationwide operation is imminent and identified Chicago as a potential epicenter for these mass deportations.
Reflecting on Past Promises
During his initial presidential campaign back in 2017, Trump made similar promises regarding mass deportations; however, statistics reveal that his administration ultimately removed fewer undocumented immigrants than former President Barack Obama did during his first term. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency routinely conducts deportations but this upcoming operation marks an intensified effort targeting “sanctuary” cities—localities that limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Plans Unfolding Behind Closed Doors
Reports suggest that ICE officials within the Chicago region have been mobilizing agents for this week’s planned raids without prior notification to their superiors based in Washington D.C. Homan previously warned at a Republican event held last month: “On January 21st, expect to see numerous ICE agents actively searching for criminals and gang members throughout your city.”
Cities Across America Brace for Impact
In addition to Chicago, other metropolitan areas such as New York City, Los Angeles, Denver, and Miami are also anticipated targets according to information from unnamed sources cited by the Wall Street Journal. There are indications that Trump may eliminate longstanding policies preventing ICE from conducting arrests within churches—a move likely to heighten fears among vulnerable communities.
Voices of Concern Emerge from Affected Communities
At Lincoln United Methodist Church located in one of Chicago’s predominantly Latino neighborhoods last Sunday, congregants expressed their anxieties about impending raids. D Camacho—a 21-year-old legal immigrant from Mexico—shared her fears: “I’m scared; I can’t even begin to imagine what those without documentation must be feeling.” Reverend Emma Lozano raised poignant questions about family separation: “If someone with five children gets taken away by ICE—who will care for those children? Will they end up with social services? Will families be torn apart?”
Shifting Priorities Under Different Administrations
Under Democratic President Joe Biden’s leadership prior to Trump’s return into power, ICE was instructed primarily to focus on apprehending serious offenders or individuals who had recently crossed borders illegally or posed national security risks. However under Trump’s directives—which initially target criminals—it appears all undocumented migrants could face increased risk of arrest and removal regardless of their length of residence or lack of criminal records.
Resumption of Raids at Workplaces
Additionally anticipated is the revival of immigration enforcement operations at construction sites where many undocumented workers find employment—a practice halted during Biden’s presidency according to CBS reports. This renewed approach may present challenges due not only limited detention space but also potential backlash from communities affected by such aggressive tactics.
Legislative Changes on the Horizon
Simultaneously moving through Congress is proposed legislation known as the Laken Riley Act—named after a college student tragically murdered last year by an illegal migrant previously arrested for shoplifting—which aims at mandating federal authorities detain suspected criminal migrants living unlawfully within U.S borders.
As these developments unfold across various states amidst heightened tensions surrounding immigration policy reform under Trump’s administration—the implications remain profound not just politically but socially within communities grappling with uncertainty over their futures.