President Donald Trump has announced a significant escalation of his administration’s efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, targeting major Democratic-led urban centers such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. In a Truth Social post on June 16, Trump called for the “single largest Mass Deportation Program in History,” directing ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to flood these cities with agents and intensify daily arrests.
Trump’s declaration comes on the heels of protests and civil unrest, particularly in Los Angeles, where he deployed the National Guard and U.S. Marines to contain demonstrations triggered by recent immigration raids—an action Governor Gavin Newsom is contesting. According to internal emails referenced by Reuters, raids on farms, hotels, restaurants, and meatpacking plants have been paused, while urban operations ramp up.
The enforcement campaign aims to arrest around 3,000 undocumented immigrants daily, according to administration sources. Trump framed the move as a crackdown on sanctuary cities—accusing Democratic leaders of exploiting undocumented populations to expand their political base and welfare systems.
The announcement prompted immediate backlash, with mass protests under the banner “No Kings” emerging in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston. Critics, including Democratic leaders and immigrant-rights advocates, argue that the operation risks civil liberties, divides communities, and places undue strain on local law enforcement.
White House officials have emphasized that rural sectors like agriculture and hospitality will remain largely unaffected, as the focus shifts toward urban centers. However, the surge of deportation activity in courts, schools, and public spaces has already had a chilling effect on immigrant communities—impacting local economies and labor availability.
