U.S. Arrests, Deports Over 500 Illegal Immigrants Days Into Trump’s Second Term

The United States government has arrested 538 individuals and deported hundreds of illegal immigrants in one of the largest operations ever conducted. This action comes just days into President Donald Trump’s second administration. White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, shared the details of the operation in a late-night statement on Thursday.

“The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals,” Leavitt announced in a post on social media platform X. She further stated, “Hundreds were deported by military aircraft. The largest deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept.”

Trump had pledged during his campaign to prioritise a crackdown on illegal immigration. His second term began with swift executive actions aimed at tightening border security and deporting undocumented individuals.

Mayor Raises Concerns Over Local Raids

While federal officials celebrated the operation, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka criticized the approach taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In a statement on Thursday, Baraka said, “ICE agents raided a local establishment in Newark, detaining undocumented residents as well as citizens, without producing a warrant. This action raises serious concerns about constitutional rights.”

Baraka urged federal agents to operate transparently and respect due process, particularly when engaging with local communities. “Our residents deserve to feel safe, not targeted,” he added.

Deportation Efforts Intensify

The deportation effort is being hailed by Trump supporters as a step toward fulfilling campaign promises. The administration described the move as targeting “criminal aliens.” However, critics argued that the operation casts a wide net, potentially detaining individuals without sufficient evidence.

President Trump emphasised the urgency of the operation, declaring a “national emergency” at the southern border. In a recent address, he stated, “We will protect American families and jobs. Illegal immigrants who break the law cannot be allowed to remain in this country.”

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The president also announced the deployment of additional troops to border regions to deter illegal crossings.

Congress Expands Powers for Immigration Control

Earlier this week, the Republican-led Congress approved a bill that expands pretrial incarceration for foreign criminal suspects. This legislative support aligns with Trump’s aggressive approach to immigration enforcement.

An official from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), speaking anonymously, commented on the new measures. “These changes give us the tools to detain and process illegal immigrants more efficiently. The law helps us ensure public safety.”

Community Reactions to the Crackdown

Reactions from communities across the country have been mixed. Some residents applauded the administration’s decisive action.

“We’ve been waiting for the government to act,” said Peter Long, a business owner in Arizona. “Illegal immigrants have taken jobs away from law-abiding citizens. This is a step in the right direction.”

However, others expressed alarm. Maria Lopez, an immigrant rights advocate, said, “These raids are terrorising families. Children are being separated from their parents, and citizens are being wrongfully detained. This isn’t justice.”

Lopez urged the administration to focus on reforming immigration laws rather than resorting to mass deportations. “We need policies that treat people with dignity and respect, not fear tactics,” she concluded.

Trump Administration Defends Actions

Despite the controversy, Trump officials remain firm. “The American people elected us to uphold the law,” Leavitt reiterated in her statement. “This operation is just the beginning. We are committed to protecting our borders and our citizens.”