“Those Who Enter Illegally…”: US Says Mass Deportations Have Begun

Washington:
In a significant escalation of its immigration policies, the White House has announced the commencement of large-scale deportation operations, fulfilling President Trump’s campaign promise to take stringent action against undocumented migrants. This move marks a new era in the U.S. government’s approach to illegal immigration, with severe consequences promised for those entering the country without legal permission.
Main Body Section
The White House made the announcement on Friday, emphasizing that anyone entering the U.S. illegally will face serious repercussions. This declaration is part of President Trump’s broader strategy to deter illegal immigration, which he outlined during his presidential campaign in 2024. On January 20, President Trump signed executive orders declaring a national emergency at the southern border with Mexico, paving the way for these mass deportations.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt detailed the initial phase of the operation, revealing that 538 illegal immigrant criminals, including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several individuals convicted of sex crimes against minors, have been arrested and deported. Hundreds of undocumented immigrants have already been deported via military aircraft, a move described as the largest massive deportation operation in U.S. history.
The Trump administration’s initial focus is on targeting undocumented immigrants with final removal orders and past legal offenses. However, officials have indicated that the scope of the deportations will eventually broaden, utilizing new technologies to track down individuals without authorization in the U.S. This effort will require a significant expansion of ICE’s detention capacity, with plans to use military bases or temporary facilities to hold detained migrants.
Mexico is bracing for the impact of these deportations, with preparations underway to receive tens of thousands of deportees. The Mexican government is setting up emergency shelters and implementing emergency plans in border cities to handle the influx. Additionally, a panic button app has been introduced to allow migrants to alert consulates about raids and deportation operations.
India has also reaffirmed its stance against illegal immigration, with the Ministry of External Affairs committing to facilitate the return of Indian nationals who are overstaying or residing without proper documentation in the U.S. or elsewhere. This move reflects a global alignment against illegal immigration, with various countries taking steps to address the issue.
The U.S. government’s heightened scrutiny of immigration policies has raised concerns within the Indian community in the U.S., particularly regarding undocumented Indians. The broader implications of these deportation efforts are expected to have significant economic and social impacts on Mexico, including potential declines in remittance funds and increased migration pressures.