President Donald Trump directed the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to expand deportation efforts in America’s largest cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, as anti-ICE protests continue nationwide. In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump emphasized that ICE must “expand efforts to detain and deport” illegal immigrants, calling it the “largest mass deportation operation in history.” The directive coincides with a week of anti-ICE protests, which have taken place in major cities across the country. While most demonstrations remain peaceful, some have turned into violent riots, particularly in Los Angeles and Portland, according to Fox News.
Trump’s comments come amid criticism of the federal government’s approach to immigration enforcement, with local officials and business leaders expressing concerns over the impact of these raids on key industries. In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass stated that the city’s economy is heavily reliant on immigrant labor and questioned whether the president understood this dependency. The administration has also faced backlash for its enforcement actions, with local Democrats accusing the Trump administration of targeting non-criminal immigrants and disrupting local communities.
The protests began in Los Angeles on June 7, following a wave of ICE raids that led to the arrest of hundreds, including individuals with violent criminal histories. Trump swiftly deployed the National Guard to the area after the protests started two weeks ago, a move that drew criticism from Democrats, who argued it would escalate tensions. As the protests and riots expanded nationally, violence also intensified, with incidents reported in various cities, including Salt Lake City, where an innocent bystander was fatally shot during an organized protest.
Despite the unrest, Trump has doubled down on his commitment to deporting illegal immigrants, stating that the administration will prioritize criminal illegal aliens. However, critics argue that the administration’s efforts may lead to family separations and disproportionately target non-criminal workers. Meanwhile, federal officials have criticized Democratic rhetoric for being “dangerous,” as ICE agents face violent mobs in cities like Los Angeles and New York. ICE has conducted several high-profile raids as part of the president’s campaign promise to deliver mass deportations, but the effectiveness of these operations remains a topic of debate among lawmakers and community leaders.
The Trump administration has also called for a pause on deportation raids at agricultural sites, hotels, and restaurants due to fears that the raids could harm key industries in the U.S. This decision highlights the growing tension between federal immigration enforcement and state and local authorities, who are increasingly seeking to balance public safety with economic concerns. As the situation unfolds, the administration faces mounting pressure to address both the humanitarian and economic implications of its deportation policies while navigating the complex landscape of public opinion and political opposition.