Donald Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, defended the recent federal raids on churches and schools as part of a broader initiative to combat illegal immigration.
This crackdown coincided with a coordinated operation involving six federal agencies targeting "potentially dangerous criminal aliens" in Chicago.
Since the beginning of Trump’s second term, he has swiftly enacted executive actions aimed at reforming U.S. immigration policies. His administration is intensifying deportations by easing restrictions on enforcement actions at sensitive locations, which include schools and places of worship.
Homan stated that the revised rules are intended to convey a clear message about the consequences of illegal entry into the country. He emphasized that without demonstrating these consequences, the ongoing border issues will remain unresolved.
Despite these efforts, reports indicate that Trump is dissatisfied with the current rate of arrests and has instructed immigration officials to increase detention quotas significantly.
Internal briefings revealed that he aims for ICE to escalate daily arrests from a few hundred to between 1,200 and 1,500. On a recent Sunday, ICE reported 956 arrests, marking the highest single-day total since Trump took office again.
The operation in Chicago is particularly significant due to its status as a Democratic stronghold and a sanctuary city for migrants. Homan described Chicago as a focal point for deportation efforts, while ICE announced its collaboration with several federal agencies to enhance enforcement of immigration laws aimed at maintaining public safety.
The raids have instilled fear within Latino communities in the region, leading many to stay home. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed his commitment to support federal law enforcement in apprehending individuals accused of violent crimes while defending law-abiding residents from unjust detentions.
