US immigration to conduct mass arrests of undocumented immigrants

Donald Trump administration's plan for nationwide immigration raids begins in Chicago.

Demonstrators protest President Donald Trump's proposed crime and immigration policies on February 21, 2017, in Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images

By Hayu Andini and Eva Krafczyk

Under the incoming administration of President Donald Trump, US immigration authorities are set to conduct mass arrests of undocumented immigrants across the nation, starting with a large-scale operation in Chicago on Tuesday. This move marks one of the first steps by Trump to fulfill his campaign pledge to deport millions of undocumented immigrants from the United States.

The announcement, made by Tom Homan, Trump’s incoming "border czar," came on Friday during an interview with Fox News. Homan, a former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), revealed that the planned immigration raid in Chicago is just one part of a broader nationwide operation.

Homan, who previously oversaw the controversial policy of separating migrant parents and children at the US-Mexico border under Trump’s first administration, confirmed that ICE would begin the raids on Tuesday, the day after Trump’s inauguration. He emphasized that these raids would be a significant operation targeting criminal aliens, with ICE officers being given more authority to enforce immigration laws.

“There’s going to be a big raid across the country. Chicago is just one of many places,” Homan stated. He further added that ICE would prioritize arresting those with criminal backgrounds while ensuring that no one would be exempt if they are in the country illegally.

On the specifics of the operation, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Chicago raid would involve 100 to 200 ICE officers and last throughout the week. These raids are expected to target individuals in the city who are in the US illegally, with a focus on public safety threats.

Chicago, a Democrat-led city, is one of several US municipalities that have declared themselves “sanctuaries” for migrants. These sanctuary cities have policies that prevent local authorities from detaining individuals based solely on their immigration status. However, Chicago police have clarified that they will not intervene in federal immigration operations.

Don Terry, a spokesman for the Chicago Police Department, confirmed that the department would not intervene or interfere with any federal government agency performing its duties. Terry also reiterated that Chicago police do not document immigration status and would not share information with federal immigration authorities.

Homan’s statements reflect a significant shift in the Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement. By removing restrictions and emphasizing the importance of prioritizing criminal immigrants, the incoming administration aims to fulfill one of Trump’s core campaign promises to crack down on illegal immigration.

This plan follows through on a policy that was a central theme of Trump’s first term, when he sought to reduce illegal immigration through stricter border controls, the construction of a border wall, and increased deportations. While many of these initiatives faced legal challenges and resistance, the incoming administration’s mass arrest strategy is a direct attempt to advance Trump’s stance on immigration.

Despite the Trump administration’s aggressive stance, cities like Chicago, which have adopted sanctuary policies, pose challenges to federal immigration authorities. These cities often limit cooperation with federal agencies to avoid targeting individuals solely based on their immigration status. As a result, there may be pushback from local officials and activists who argue that such operations violate the rights of immigrants and disrupt families.

The raid in Chicago is expected to spark protests and debates over the administration’s approach to immigration. Advocacy groups have long criticized ICE raids for their impact on immigrant communities, arguing that they create fear and instability, particularly for undocumented workers and their families.

The planned mass arrests are expected to be a major test for Trump’s second term in office, with the administration looking to demonstrate its commitment to strict immigration enforcement. While Trump’s new approach may please supporters of tougher immigration laws, it is likely to face strong opposition from both local governments and immigration rights groups.

As the operation unfolds in Chicago, the country will be watching closely to see how it affects the national discourse on immigration, sanctuary policies, and the future of US immigration law enforcement.

The Trump administration has not yet responded to requests for comment on the operation, leaving many questions unanswered about the scope and specifics of the raids. However, with the planned raids scheduled to begin in just a few days, the stage is set for a significant showdown between federal immigration authorities and local governments, as well as heightened debates over the treatment of undocumented immigrants in the United States.

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