As demonstrations against his policies persist, US President Donald Trump has ordered an increase in the number of migrants detained and deported nationwide.
Trump urged federal agencies to “do all in their power” to implement “the single largest mass deportation program in history” in a post on Truth Social, specifically mentioning New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
Since June 6, raids on undocumented migrants have sparked widespread protests in several cities, including these.
Trump’s handling of the protests, especially his use of the military to put an end to the demonstrations, has drawn criticism and legal challenges.
The “entire administration to put every resource possible behind this effort” is what Trump claimed to have ordered. Keeping “anyone who undermines the domestic tranquility of the United States” out of the country was another pledge he made.
He wrote to some federal agencies, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), saying, “You have my unwavering support.” Now, go get the job done!” The post was made the day after a fresh round of nationwide demonstrations against Trump’s policies.
From Los Angeles to New York, the “No Kings” movement staged protests in cities on June 14. These protests also took place on the president’s 79th birthday, coinciding with a military parade in Washington, DC, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the US Army.
In Salt Lake City, Utah, a shooting at a No Kings march claimed one life. During the protests, sanctuary cities – those that only provide aid to federal immigration authorities became a point of contention between federal and state lawmakers. Trump also directed immigration officials to concentrate their efforts on these cities.
To protect undocumented migrants, officials in these locations have defended their legal rights. Trump’s campaign pledge to implement the “largest deportation program of criminals in the history of America” is being fulfilled with the order to increase deportations.
According to polls, this policy was widely supported in the run-up to the US election in 2024. However, protests have only grown since the deportation program expanded.
The Trump administration instructed immigration officials to largely halt raids on farms, hotels, restaurants, and meatpacking plants the day before, according to the Reuters news agency, and this new order followed suit.
By Najat Adamu
