Trump Administration Prepares for Nationwide Immigration Raids Following Inauguration
The Trump administration is reportedly gearing up for sweeping immigration raids within 24 hours of Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, according to an exclusive report from The Wall Street Journal.
Large-Scale Immigration Raid Expected to Begin in Chicago
Sources cited by The Wall Street Journal reveal that the new administration plans to launch a large-scale raid in Chicago as early as Tuesday. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials will initially target individuals with criminal records or existing deportation orders as part of a broader effort to enforce immigration laws more aggressively.
The report suggests that the Chicago operation will span the entire first week of the Trump administration, with over 200 ICE officers deployed to execute arrests.
Nationwide Operations Confirmed by Additional Sources
While Chicago is expected to see significant activity, other major cities will also face similar operations. A source confirmed to Reuters that immigration raids will occur “all across the country,” with New York and Miami among the cities where arrests are expected.
Tom Homan, tasked with overseeing mass deportations and border security in the new administration, addressed the potential raids during an appearance on Fox News.
“There’s going to be a big raid across the country. Chicago is just one of many places. We’ve got 24 field offices across the country,” Homan said. “On Tuesday, ICE is finally going to go out and do their job. We’re going to take the handcuffs off ICE and let them go arrest criminal aliens, that’s what’s going to happen.”
Homan reiterated the administration’s focus on prioritizing arrests of violent criminals and individuals who pose a public safety threat but emphasized that no one in the country illegally is exempt. “If they’re in the country illegally, they got a problem,” Homan declared.
Trump’s Immigration Vision: Immediate Action on Day One
Donald Trump has long pledged to crack down on illegal immigration upon assuming office, starting with the deportation of violent criminals and individuals with outstanding deportation orders. Reports indicate that ICE’s non-detained docket currently holds more than 7 million individuals, highlighting the scale of the administration’s enforcement plans.
“The administration has been clear that we’re going to start arresting people on day one, and Chicago’s probably not going to be the only place that arrests are going to be made,” a source told Fox News.
Sanctuary States and Cities Push Back Against Federal Immigration Enforcement
The impending raids have sparked strong opposition from Democratic leaders in sanctuary states and cities, which have vowed to resist federal immigration law enforcement. These jurisdictions refuse to cooperate with ICE on deportation efforts, complicating the Trump administration’s plans.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has been vocal about his opposition to the expected raids, particularly those targeting Chicago. Speaking to MSNBC, Pritzker said, “One who intends to come take away the freedom and opportunity and dignity of Illinoisans, I would remind you that a happy warrior is still a warrior. You come for my people, you come through me.”
Homan Responds to Pritzker: ‘Game On’
Tom Homan, unphased by Pritzker’s remarks, responded with determination. “Game on,” Homan said. “We’ve got no problem going through him. I got 20,000 men and women in ICE who are going to do their job with no apology. Congress has enacted a law that protects this country.”
What’s Next? A New Era of Immigration Enforcement
The Trump administration’s strategy marks a stark shift in immigration enforcement policy, signaling a no-tolerance approach to illegal immigration.
- Priorities: Arrests will focus on individuals with criminal backgrounds or existing deportation orders, but anyone in the country illegally could be targeted.
- Nationwide Scope: While Chicago is a primary focus, major cities like New York and Miami are also bracing for operations.
- Opposition: Sanctuary states and cities remain a significant hurdle, with Democratic leaders promising to resist the administration’s actions.
The upcoming weeks are likely to set the tone for the administration’s broader immigration policy, shaping the debate over enforcement, border security, and federal-state relations for years to come.