Sources have informed CBS, a partner of the BBC, that operations aimed at detaining and deporting undocumented migrants in the United States are scheduled to commence on the first full day of President-elect Donald Trump‘s administration.
Operations, facing potential disruption from Trump’s “border tsar” Tom Homan, may commence in Chicago—a city known for its significant migrant community—starting as early as Tuesday.
Trump has pledged to implement the most extensive deportation initiative in US history, with Homan indicating that the focus will be on apprehending criminals and gang members during these operations.
This week, during an interview with Fox News, the border tsar pledged a “big raid” to take place nationwide. He has previously stated that Chicago will serve as the focal point for the mass deportations.
On Saturday, Homan elaborated on the administration’s strategy during an appearance on Fox News, clarifying that the deportations will be characterised as “targeted enforcement operations” rather than “raids”.
He characterised these initiatives as “well planned.”
“When ICE conducts operations, they will have a clear understanding of the individuals they are targeting and the likely locations where they can be located,” Homan stated.
He anticipates deportation flights commencing in the first week of Trump’s presidency and foresees a barrage of daily lawsuits challenging these deportation efforts from various organisations, including the American Civil Liberties Union.
“I have no doubt we’ll face legal action, but let them come,” he stated.
In 2017, Trump, representing the Republican Party, made a bold promise regarding mass deportations as he embarked on his first presidential term.
However, the reality saw him removing approximately half the number of immigrants compared to the actions taken by President Barack Obama, a Democrat, during his initial four years in office.
The incoming 47th president will assume office amid significant backing for his border policies. A recent poll conducted by The New York Times and Ipsos, released on Saturday, revealed that 55% of Americans either strongly or somewhat endorse mass deportations.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency regularly deports individuals who reside in the country illegally.
Following Trump’s inauguration on Monday, an operation is set to commence, focussing on “sanctuary” cities that restrict collaboration with federal immigration authorities, according to two sources acquainted with the plans who spoke to CBS.
CBS reported that ICE officials in the Chicago area requested agents participate in this week’s planned raids without informing the agency’s leadership in Washington, D.C.
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, raids are set to be conducted in New York, Los Angeles, Denver, and Miami, as indicated by unnamed sources with knowledge of the plans.
Recent reports indicate that Trump may consider eliminating a longstanding policy that has traditionally protected churches from ICE arrests.
In a predominantly Latino neighbourhood of Chicago, congregants at a local church expressed their worries during an interview with the BBC.
“I’m scared, but I can’t imagine what people without papers are feeling,” remarked D Camacho, a 21-year-old legal immigrant from Mexico, who attended the service at Lincoln United Methodist Church in the Pilsen neighbourhood last Sunday.
Reverend Emma Lozano raised a poignant question: “If someone with five children is taken, who will care for the children?” Will they seek assistance from social services? Is there a possibility of the family being split apart?
Under the administration of Democratic President Joe Biden, the guidelines for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) emphasised the prioritisation of illegal migrants who were serious criminals, had recently crossed the border, or posed a threat to national security.
Trump’s team has indicated a focus on migrants with criminal records, yet the implications extend to all undocumented immigrants. This includes individuals who have resided and worked in the United States for extended periods without any criminal history, raising concerns about the likelihood of their arrest and deportation.
According to CBS, immigration raids targeting construction sites that frequently employ undocumented migrants are anticipated to restart following a pause implemented by the Biden administration.
The operation may present challenges for officials, mainly due to the constraints of available custody space for detainees.
Simultaneously, Congress is anticipated to pass the Laken Riley Act next week. This legislation is named after a college student who was tragically murdered last year in Georgia by a Venezuelan illegal migrant who had a prior arrest for shoplifting.
The proposed legislation mandates that the federal government detain migrants residing in the US illegally who are believed to be involved in criminal activities.
