Washington, United States:
In the early days of President Donald Trump’s second term, the U.S. has embarked on a significant crackdown on illegal immigration, resulting in the arrest and deportation of hundreds of migrants. This operation, described as the “largest massive deportation operation in history,” was announced by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday.
According to Leavitt, U.S. authorities have arrested 538 illegal migrants, many of whom are classified as “illegal immigrant criminals.” These individuals include a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several convicted of sex crimes against minors. The Trump Administration has also deported hundreds of these individuals using military aircraft.
“The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals,” Leavitt stated in an online post. “The Trump Administration also deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft. Promises made. Promises kept.”
Following his inauguration on January 20, President Trump signed several executive orders aimed at overhauling immigration policies. One of these orders declared a “national emergency” at the southern border, citing an unprecedented influx of illegal immigration over the past four years. The order highlighted that many of these undocumented migrants pose significant threats to national security and public safety, committing serious crimes against American citizens.
On January 23, the Republican-led U.S. Congress approved the Laken Riley Act, a bill that expands pretrial incarceration for foreign criminal suspects and streamlines the detention and deportation of undocumented migrants charged with certain crimes.
The operation has also drawn attention from local officials, with Newark city mayor Ras J. Baraka criticizing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for detaining undocumented residents and citizens without warrants during a recent raid.
