The Trump administration’s approach to immigration has sparked debates and protests, as it targets a wide range of individuals, not just undocumented criminals. On the campaign trail, Trump promised to deport a significant number of alleged criminals right away, a pledge that found favor among many Americans concerned about border security. However, this promise has morphed into a broader enforcement strategy.
As of early June, around 51,000 undocumented migrants were held in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities—the highest number since 2019. Officials have pushed for arrests to increase to 3,000 a day. Initially focusing on criminals, many arrested have no criminal records apart from their immigration status, raising alarms among activists about accountability and justice.
Los Angeles witnessed protests following ICE raids that led to numerous arrests, including individuals described as “the worst of the worst.” Yet, stories have emerged of those without a criminal past being swept up in the operations, as evidenced by a case of a young man from Mexico's Zapotec community detained outside a clothing store. Cross-border tensions are also palpable, as tourists and visitors from countries like Canada and Britain have felt the impact of stricter policies.
Prominent cases include TikTok superstar Khaby Lame, who was detained briefly due to allegedly overstaying his visa, and Canadian actress Jasmine Mooney, who described being held under dire conditions while trying to renew her visa.
The government has also taken a hard stance on political protests, increasingly targeting foreign nationals, even green card holders, leading to the revocation of over 1,600 student visas. Those involved in activism have faced deportation threats, with ICE claiming that their activities align with extremist movements. This complex landscape leaves many questioning the administration's commitment to lawful practices amid a growing climate of fear and uncertainty surrounding immigration in America.
