The mass deportation of illegal immigrants is a priority for President Trump, with the process already underway following a series of executive actions signed on his first day in office. The initiative to remove individuals in the U.S. without legal status has set federal law enforcement on a collision course with sanctuary cities, which are bracing for large-scale deportations in the coming days.
Many sanctuary cities have enacted ordinances aimed at blocking local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. San Diego, for instance, has passed a policy that prevents county agencies from working with federal immigration authorities. Similarly, Boston’s legislation prohibits local law enforcement from questioning individuals about their immigration status or sharing that information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Chicago has relied on the Illinois Trust Act to shield local officials from participating in federal immigration operations.
Despite these measures, sanctuary cities are in President Trump’s crosshairs. During his first term, Trump withheld hundreds of millions of dollars in federal grants to cities that defied immigration enforcement, and similar actions are expected to follow. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is preparing for widespread raids, with operations set to begin soon.
President Trump has directed the U.S. Justice Department to investigate any state or local officials who hinder the mass deportation program. Under the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, non-compliant officials could face criminal or civil penalties. Federal prosecutors are expected to be assigned to the five U.S. Attorney’s offices near the border to bolster enforcement.
If you have questions on the removal process or any other U.S. immigration-related issue, please contact us. Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be quite complex, particularly in times of change. Our attorneys work directly with clients every step of the way to ensure they get expert advice for their particular situations.