US Agency Reports 956 Arrests in Immigration Crackdown on Sunday
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Loading... - Chenzira Ayman
- 27 Jan 2025
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The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that 956 individuals were arrested across various cities on Sunday as part of a broader immigration crackdown aligned with President Donald Trump's commitment to large-scale deportations. This operation is part of a series of actions that have resulted in a total of 2,681 arrests since Trump took office on January 20.
Tom Homan, the newly appointed border czar under the Trump administration, stated that many of those detained had prior convictions for serious offenses, including murder and sexual crimes. He emphasized that the operations were designed to prioritize public safety, asserting, “We’ve got to put America’s safety first.” Homan oversaw the raids in Chicago, where six individuals with serious sex offense convictions were arrested, along with several gang members and two others previously convicted of murder and aggravated sexual battery.
ICE officials explained that the enhanced operations aim to enforce U.S. immigration law and protect communities from potentially dangerous individuals. However, the agency did not disclose how many of the detainees had criminal histories or convictions.
According to reports, Trump administration officials have directed ICE to target between 1,200 and 1,500 arrests daily. Homan indicated that enforcement actions could extend to previously designated safe zones, such as churches and schools, following the revocation of guidance that had previously protected these locations. He noted that decisions to enter such spaces would be made on a case-by-case basis, with a focus on apprehending individuals with criminal backgrounds.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson stated that the city’s police department did not assist in the raids, reflecting local concerns about the impact of federal immigration enforcement. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed mixed feelings about the operation, supporting the deportation of violent offenders while opposing the detention of non-criminal immigrants. He argued for a path to citizenship for those contributing positively to society, stating, “These are not people who are causing problems in our country.”
Similar immigration enforcement actions were reported in states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Louisiana, New York, and Washington, highlighting the administration's aggressive approach to immigration enforcement. As the crackdown continues, the debate over immigration policy and the treatment of undocumented individuals remains a contentious issue in American society.
