Trump Admin to Launch Immigration Raids on Day One

The Trump administration is poised to launch a large-scale immigration enforcement operation as soon as it assumes office, according to incoming border czar Tom Homan. Speaking to Fox News, Homan confirmed plans for nationwide Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, focusing on individuals with criminal records. This announcement follows a Wall Street Journal report suggesting that Chicago would be one of the cities targeted shortly after Donald Trump’s inauguration.

Aggressive Immigration Policies on Day One
Homan, who served as acting director of ICE during Trump’s first term, stated that ICE will enforce immigration laws “without apology.” While the primary focus will be on individuals deemed public safety risks, Homan emphasized that “no one is off the table.” He clarified that ICE’s 24 field offices across the country would participate in coordinated efforts to apprehend “criminal aliens.”

Trump has previously highlighted the need for immediate action to address illegal immigration, citing an estimated eight million unauthorized entries during the Biden administration. His administration’s aggressive deportation agenda aims to prioritize the estimated 1.3 million individuals with final orders of deportation and those with criminal convictions or pending charges.

Plans to Fund the Operations
The Wall Street Journal revealed discussions within the Trump administration about funding the large-scale deportations, including the potential declaration of a national emergency at the border. Such a declaration could enable the use of military resources for detentions, deportations, and border wall construction by reallocating funds from the Pentagon. While these measures could expedite enforcement, their legality remains uncertain.

Additionally, the administration has considered leveraging military bases for immigrant detention and utilizing military aircraft for deportations. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the financial implications of such an operation. The American Immigration Council estimates the cost of mass deportations at nearly $968 billion over a decade, or approximately $88 billion annually.

Anticipated Pushback from “Sanctuary” Jurisdictions
The administration’s hardline immigration stance is expected to face resistance from Democratic-led “sanctuary cities,” which limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Cities like Chicago, along with states such as Arizona and Massachusetts, have already signaled their intention to oppose these measures.

Nevertheless, Trump allies remain optimistic about advancing the administration’s immigration agenda. Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump transition team, stated, “The American people reelected President Trump by a resounding margin, giving him a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail.” Republican lawmakers may also use budget reconciliation—a process requiring only a simple majority vote—to push through funding for Trump’s proposals.

What’s Next
The anticipated raids could create significant economic and political ripple effects, particularly in industries reliant on immigrant labor. Analysts warn that the crackdown may strain federal and local resources while sparking legal battles over the proposed national emergency declaration and deportation policies. Meanwhile, civil rights groups and immigrant advocacy organizations are gearing up to challenge the administration’s plans, citing concerns about human rights and due process.

As the Trump administration gears up for its second term, its approach to immigration enforcement signals a return to the hardline policies of its first term, setting the stage for contentious battles at both local and national levels.