US President Donald Trump has ordered a significant increase in the deportation of undocumented migrants from cities with Democratic majorities, following riots in Los Angeles. In a statement on his social media platform, Trump instructed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to pursue the “single largest Mass Deportation Program in History.” He specified that efforts should focus on major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, where he claims millions of undocumented migrants reside.
Trump alleged that the Democratic Party is utilizing undocumented migrants to expand their voter base, cheat in elections, and grow the welfare state, taking jobs and benefits away from American citizens. Many cities with Democratic majorities, including Los Angeles and Chicago, have implemented sanctuary laws, limiting their cooperation with federal immigration agents. These policies have been met with opposition from Trump and the Republican Party.
The situation has been further complicated by the deployment of the National Guard and active-duty Marines to Los Angeles, aimed at quelling the unrest sparked by ICE raids. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have condemned this decision, with Newsom arguing that it is unlawful and suing Trump and the Pentagon. Newsom stated that Trump is “creating fear and terror by failing to adhere to the US Constitution and overstepping his authority.”
A curfew has been imposed in parts of downtown Los Angeles, following days of looting, vandalism, and clashes with police. The tensions arise as Trump seeks to undo what he describes as “open-border” policies introduced by his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, who oversaw a significant influx of migrants across the border with Mexico. The directive to ramp up deportations has ignited controversy and highlighted the deepening divide over immigration policies in the United States.
