Trump Orders Boost in Migrant Deportations
U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his immigration crackdown by ordering a massive nationwide expansion of migrant detention and deportation, even as protests against his administration’s immigration policies continue to sweep the country.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump instructed federal agencies to execute what he called “the single largest mass deportation programme in history.”
He specifically named Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York—three major sanctuary cities and epicenters of ongoing demonstrations against recent immigration raids—as primary targets.
Trump’s directive called on agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and others to deploy every available resource toward the effort. “You have my unwavering support. Now go, get the job done!” he wrote.
The announcement came in the wake of nationwide protests under the banner of the “No Kings” movement, which took place in cities across the U.S. on June 14.
The demonstrations coincided with a large military parade in Washington D.C. to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, which also marked Trump’s 79th birthday.
In Salt Lake City, Utah, a “No Kings” march turned tragic when one person was killed in a shooting.
The president also reaffirmed his commitment to targeting sanctuary cities—jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement—calling them “obstacles to law and order” and “safe havens for illegal criminals.”
His remarks have further fueled tensions between federal officials and local leaders who oppose the mass deportation strategy.
Critics have condemned Trump’s response to both immigration and civil unrest, particularly his deployment of the military to suppress protests.
Legal challenges are mounting, and civil rights groups have warned that the president’s actions may violate constitutional protections.
Trump’s new directive follows a recent, temporary pause in workplace immigration raids, including those at farms, hotels, and meatpacking plants, as reported by Reuters.
The administration has not clarified why that order was made just before the new crackdown.
Despite ongoing opposition, Trump is pressing forward with his campaign promise to lead the largest deportation effort in U.S. history—a policy that polls show had strong support among his base during the 2024 election cycle.
However, as deportations ramp up, so too have public demonstrations, signaling growing national division over the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement.
Trump Orders Boost in Migrant Deportations