President Trump’s inauguration marked the beginning of what he has called a new era of mass deportation targeting migrants with criminal backgrounds. This comes as a result of Trump’s sweeping use of executive orders. Immigration enforcement via executive order was one of Trump’s many promises during his re-election campaign.
Tom Homan, whom many refer to as Trump’s border czar, stated that several people convicted of serious crimes were apprehended in this latest spree of arrests. Homan claimed that among those arrested in Chicago were six individuals convicted of multiple sex offenses, two individuals who were previously convicted of murder and aggravated battery, and several gang members. Homan added that detentions of people with no criminal convictions, or “collateral arrests” would occur.
ICE has arrested at least 2,681people since Donald Trump’s inauguration. 956 of those arrests happened on January 26th. Given the heightened pace at which events are unfolding, it’s unclear how many of those arrested actually have a criminal history.
The Washington Post reported that Trump directed ICE officials to arrest 1,200 to 1,500 people a day, Homan has stated that the agency has no formal quota and simply seeks to “Arrest as many as [they] can.” While in Chicago for immigration enforcement operations, Homan emphasized that while their goal is to “get as many criminals as possible” they’re still conducting these operations with the goal of putting “America’s safety first.” Homan has also explained that the decision to enter “sensitive locations” such as churches and schools for the purpose of immigration enforcement is being done on a “case-by-case basis.”
As always, the team at Immigration USA actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, we’re with you every step of the way.