The United States is preparing for sweeping immigration raids as federal authorities plan to target undocumented immigrants starting Tuesday, marking one of the first major actions under President Donald Trump’s newly inaugurated administration. The raids, announced by Trump’s incoming border czar Tom Homan, underscore the administration’s hardline stance on immigration enforcement.
In a televised interview with Fox News, Homan confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is set to launch large-scale operations across the country. “On Tuesday, ICE is finally going to go out and do their job,” he said. “We’re going to take the handcuffs off ICE and let them go arrest criminal aliens.”
Homan, known for his controversial policies during Trump’s first term, including the widely criticized family separation policy at the U.S.-Mexico border, emphasized that the operation would prioritize individuals deemed public safety threats. However, he made it clear that no undocumented person would be exempt from enforcement. “What we’re telling ICE is: You’re going to enforce the immigration law without apology,” he stated.
Raids to Begin in Chicago, Targeting Sanctuary Cities
The initial phase of the operation will begin in Chicago, where 100 to 200 ICE officers are expected to conduct raids throughout the week. Chicago, a self-declared “sanctuary city,” has vowed to resist federal enforcement efforts.
Don Terry, spokesperson for the Chicago Police Department, reiterated the city’s policy of non-cooperation with federal immigration authorities. “The department does not document immigration status and will not share information with federal immigration authorities,” Terry stated, adding that local police would not interfere with ICE operations.
Sanctuary cities like Chicago, which prioritize community trust over immigration enforcement, have long been at odds with federal authorities. Critics argue that these policies undermine federal law and public safety, while proponents believe they foster cooperation between immigrant communities and local law enforcement to address crime.
The raids signal a return to Trump’s first-term immigration policies, which included a pledge to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. By reinstating Homan in a key role, Trump’s administration is doubling down on these measures.
Civil rights groups have voiced concerns about the potential impact of the raids, warning of widespread fear and destabilization in immigrant communities. Advocacy organizations and local governments in sanctuary cities are mobilizing to provide resources and legal support to affected individuals.
Despite assurances that the focus will remain on individuals with criminal records, Homan’s comments indicate a broader scope of enforcement. The operation is expected to be a test of the administration’s renewed immigration strategy and could foreshadow further stringent measures.
The planned raids have sparked intense debate nationwide, reflecting deep divisions over immigration policy. While supporters of the crackdown view it as a necessary step to enforce federal law and protect public safety, critics argue it risks tearing families apart and sowing fear within communities.
As the raids approach, immigrant communities and sanctuary cities brace for the fallout, while the Trump administration prepares to deliver on its promise of a stricter immigration policy. For many, this operation is not only a test of enforcement but also a defining moment for the nation’s approach to immigration under Trump’s leadership.