In one of the largest immigration enforcement operations in U.S. history, federal authorities arrested 538 undocumented migrants and deported hundreds in the opening days of President Donald Trump’s second term. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the operation late Thursday, describing it as part of the administration’s ongoing pledge to overhaul U.S. immigration policies.
Leavitt, in a post on social platform X, declared the operation a significant success, stating, “The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals... Promises made. Promises kept.” The deportees were reportedly transported using military aircraft.
The administration’s intensified efforts have included declaring a “national emergency” at the southern border, deploying additional troops, and targeting "criminal aliens" for expedited removal.
The crackdown has drawn sharp criticism from advocates and local officials. Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka condemned a recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in his city, accusing federal agents of detaining undocumented residents and even citizens without proper warrants.
Adding to the administration’s immigration agenda, the Republican-led Congress approved a bill earlier this week to expand pretrial incarceration for foreign criminal suspects, signaling further legislative support for stricter immigration controls.
The operation underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to delivering on its hardline immigration promises, though it has sparked heated debates over its execution and broader implications.
