The Trump administration continues its xenophobic campaign against immigrants, with increased ICE activity being reported across the United States and 1,500 active duty troops being sent to the US-Mexico border. The Republican administration announced in January its reversal of the established ICE and Customs and Border Protection guidance that required approval for enforcement operations at “sensitive locations” such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship. According to the Trump administration, the first group of migrants has been flown to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, despite potential litigation. Secretary Pete Hegseth claims they will be held at a detention facility on the U.S. naval base rather than the U.S. military prison where people suspected of being foreign terrorists have been detained, some for more than two decades, without being charged.
There have been propagandistic efforts to create the illusion of mass deportations, as Google searches for ICE operations, raids and arrests were reportedly returning headlines from as far back as 2008, updated on January 21, 2025, among the top results so make it appear as though these enforcements occurred recently. According to Politico, the number of daily Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests as reported on X are comparable to those under President Obama.
This is not to say there have been no raids – increased I.C.E. activity has been recorded nationwide, with reports of raids occurring even at church food drives and elementary schools. These raids have resulted in the arrest of immigrants without criminal records; when questioned, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said they were all criminals, “because they illegally broke our nation’s laws, and therefore, they are criminals, as far as this administration goes.” In one instance on January 26, 1,100 people were arrested across the country by ICE, 48% of which had no criminal record. These arrests, however, have not necessarily resulted in deportation, as severe space constraints at ICE detention facilities and court orders have led to the release of over 400 immigrants back into the country on monitoring programs, many without a violent criminal history.
According to NPR, the mass deportations promised will depend on the cooperation of law enforcement, only some of which have offered to assist. These deportations also rely on the cooperation of school staff – according to the Associated Press, educators in some cities and states with hardline immigration policies are working with civil rights groups to preserve the accessibility of public education for students regardless of their status. Thomas Homan, the administration’s so-called “border czar,” has lamented the success of initiatives like Chicago’s “Know Your Rights” campaign in hindering ICE efforts.
Be very careful!
Beware of notaries, immigration consultants or anyone who is not qualified and prepared in these matters. Always seek the advice and services of an immigration attorney for your immigration processes and procedures.