Former President Trump's pledge to execute the most extensive deportation operation in US history has been reignited. Recent ICE operations saw over 1,000 arrests, primarily focusing on individuals with criminal records, paving the way for their removal from the country. Those apprehended included individuals convicted of murder and sexual offenses, as well as a Haitian gang member with a substantial criminal history. This individual's arrest in Boston gained significant attention when footage captured him expressing defiance towards Trump and gratitude towards former President Obama.

Many of the ICE operations were strategically conducted in known sanctuary jurisdictions, such as New York City, Newark, San Francisco, Chicago, and Utah. These policies, which often lead to the release of individuals with criminal records, necessitate ICE making arrests within communities. The underlying message is clear: while individuals may evade authorities temporarily, they cannot escape indefinitely. Federal inaction will no longer shield them. A concurrent message was directed at sanctuary cities themselves. As ICE operations unfolded, federal prosecutors received a memo highlighting that sanctuary policies often contravene federal law, urging them to identify instances of blatant obstruction of enforcement.

In response, migrant advocacy organizations have initiated various actions, including conducting informational sessions on legal rights for undocumented immigrants and organizing press conferences to condemn the ICE operations. Some have even developed apps to monitor ICE activity and potential raid locations. An incident at a Chicago elementary school highlighted the tension, as administrators alerted the media about staff preventing ICE from entering, believing they were targeting a child. It later emerged that the Secret Service was actually investigating a security matter related to a VIP.

Groups opposed to stricter enforcement anticipate public support will diminish once ICE addresses the most serious criminal offenders, or if an incident occurs where an individual perceived as harmless is apprehended near a sensitive location like a playground or church.

However, public sentiment may not shift so readily. Voters have displayed signs of what could be termed “migration fatigue” after a period of significant immigration. Many have expressed concern over the financial burden of providing services for new arrivals, while others point to the impact on the labor market. Recent ICE activities may signal a broader trend, as the agency aims to address the effects of previous policies. With illegal border crossings significantly reduced, resources are being reallocated to interior enforcement. Military personnel are supporting border security and deportation efforts, and various federal agencies are collaborating on these operations.

Federal agencies cannot handle this task alone. Collaboration with state and local law enforcement is crucial. The president has the authority to deputize officers at these levels, either during emergencies or on an ongoing basis if requested, and appears poised to exercise this power. Several states have already pledged greater assistance. Increased collaboration among agencies at all levels will be vital in addressing smuggling, human trafficking, locating criminals, and other critical enforcement activities. Congressional funding to support these efforts is also essential.

While increased enforcement necessitates greater short-term expenditure, the long-term return on investment is expected to be significant, leading to safer communities and reduced spending on migrant services. The public also recognizes that increased deportations may encourage voluntary repatriation. As work permits expire and employers face greater scrutiny, many individuals who entered the country illegally may opt to return to their home countries. Trump’s administration will likely face criticism for these policies, but many Americans and legal immigrants may welcome these changes. Restricting illegal immigration could create job opportunities for US workers and redirect public resources towards domestic needs. The goal is to shift the focus of immigration policy back to the national interest.