Trump means business.
The incoming Trump administration is poised to tackle illegal immigration head-on, promising immediate action from day one, particularly in cracking down on criminal aliens across the country. The administration has made it clear that it intends to “take the handcuffs off” Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), empowering them to do their job and enforce the law without hesitation.
Sources report that one of the first major operations will take place in Chicago, where ICE agents are set to conduct a large-scale raid targeting illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds. However, this will be just the beginning. Incoming border czar Tom Homan made it clear in a recent Fox News interview that the raid in Chicago is only one of many, as ICE will be conducting operations nationwide. “We’ve got 24 field offices across the country, and we’re going to start enforcing immigration law with no apologies,” Homan stated. The goal is to focus on the most dangerous individuals—those with criminal histories or convictions—but no one in the country illegally will be safe from arrest.
The administration’s commitment to mass deportations and stronger border security has already stirred debate. While officials plan to prioritize criminals, they have also emphasized that anyone living in the U.S. unlawfully could face arrest. With over 7 million individuals on ICE’s non-detained docket, this operation promises to be large-scale and impactful.
One of the key challenges the administration will face is opposition from “sanctuary” cities like Chicago, Massachusetts, and Arizona, which refuse to cooperate with ICE. These cities do not honor detainer requests, essentially shielding illegal immigrants from federal law enforcement. However, even some liberal cities, like New York City, are beginning to see the need for cooperation. Mayor Eric Adams has met with Homan to discuss how to handle illegal immigrants who have been convicted of violent crimes.
Additionally, Kristi Noem, nominated for DHS Secretary, voiced her support for the aggressive immigration policies, including the mass deportation plan and the elimination of the CBP One app that currently facilitates migrant parole into the U.S.
The Trump administration’s tough stance on illegal immigration is clear: enforcement will not be watered down, and those in the country unlawfully, especially criminals, will face the consequences.