In a sweeping move that has ignited political firestorms, President Donald Trump has ordered ICE to ramp up mass deportations across Democratic-led cities. The directive, posted Sunday on Trump’s Truth Social account, marks what he calls “the largest Mass Deportation Program in American history.”
“We must expand efforts to detain and deport illegal aliens in America’s largest cities, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York,” Trump declared. “These cities are the core of the Democrat power center.”
The post came as ICE raids in Los Angeles prompted nationwide protests, with demonstrations swelling across major metropolitan areas. Thousands took to the streets in what organizers dubbed the “No Kings” rallies, aimed at opposing Trump’s immigration policies and use of federal force.
ICE Raids Spark Legal and Civic Uproar
Federal agents from ICE conducted multiple raids in Los Angeles last week, sparking fear in immigrant communities and drawing sharp criticism from city officials.
“People are afraid to leave their homes,” said LA Mayor Karen Bass. “Some of these raids feel indiscriminate. This is not how America should operate.”
Despite local resistance, Trump ordered the deployment of 4,000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to enforce the ICE crackdown, bypassing both state and city objections. California has since filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the move.
‘Remigration’ Policy: Trump’s Hardline Immigration Stance
On Thursday, Trump took aim at both President Joe Biden and California Governor Gavin Newsom, blaming them for what he called “an invasion” of 21 million undocumented immigrants.
“America was invaded and occupied. I am reversing the invasion. It’s called Remigration,” he wrote, doubling down on his pledge to remove all undocumented individuals from U.S. soil.
In a separate post, Trump added: “Incompetent Gavin Newscum should be thanking me for preventing Los Angeles from burning to the ground.”
Federal Officials Double Down
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also weighed in, labeling the protests “un-American” and warning that violent demonstrators will face full prosecution.
“Masked thugs are assaulting officers and destroying property. If you attack law enforcement, we will arrest you, prosecute you, and jail you,” Noem said in a Thursday press conference.
She reaffirmed that ICE operations in Los Angeles and Southern California will continue “indefinitely” as part of a broader federal crackdown.
ICE in the Spotlight
The focus on ICE has drawn both praise and criticism. Supporters hail the agency’s commitment to enforcing immigration law, while critics argue the moves reflect an authoritarian overreach and racial profiling.
“Nothing will stop us,” Trump said. “ICE officers are heroes carrying out a noble mission. Real Americans are cheering them on every day.”
With protests continuing and lawsuits mounting, the nation remains sharply divided over the scope and execution of Trump’s ICE crackdown.
