Multiple cities experienced immigration enforcement operations on Sunday, signaling the start of mass deportations by President Donald Trump’s administration. The operations were primarily targeting migrants with criminal backgrounds, but concerns remained that those with no criminal histories could also be swept up. The goal of the operations was to enforce U.S. immigration law, preserve public safety, and keep potentially dangerous criminal aliens out of communities.
On Sunday alone, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made a record 956 arrests, the largest single-day number under the Trump administration. The total number of arrests since Trump took office was at least 2,681, although it was unclear how many of those arrested had criminal histories. In Chicago, individuals arrested included sex offenders, gang members, and individuals with murder convictions.
ICE had been directed to arrest 1,200 to 1,500 people daily by Trump officials, with the goal of targeting as many criminals as possible. Efforts were being made to eliminate violent criminals from the country, but the actions were met with mixed reactions. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson clarified that the city police were not involved in enforcement activities, while Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed support for deporting violent criminals but disagreed with targeting law-abiding individuals.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) also assisted in immigration enforcement operations in various cities, with one operation in Colorado leading to the arrest of nearly 50 people without authorization, many with connections to a Venezuelan gang. DEA offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, and Atlanta also assisted in immigration enforcement efforts. The White House confirmed the arrests of individuals convicted or suspected of crimes in various states.
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