US President Donald Trump has instructed federal authorities to expand operations for detaining and deporting migrants nationwide, even as demonstrations against his immigration agenda intensify.
Through a post shared on Truth Social, Trump urged government agencies to “do all in their power” to carry out “the single largest mass deportation programme in history”, specifically highlighting Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York as focus areas.
These cities have witnessed waves of protests in response to the migrant raids that began on 6 June.
In the face of these protests, Trump has encountered both legal opposition and public backlash, especially after deploying military personnel to control unrest.
Trump stated he had ordered the “entire administration to put every resource possible behind this effort”.
He also vowed to block entry into the US for “anyone who undermines the domestic tranquility of the United States”.
Directing his message toward agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice), he wrote: “you have my unwavering support. Now go, get the job done!”
This statement came shortly after fresh nationwide protests erupted against his policies.
On 14 June, the “No Kings” movement organized rallies in various cities spanning from Los Angeles to New York. These events happened to coincide with a military parade held in Washington DC to celebrate 250 years of the US Army, which also marked the president’s 79th birthday.
During a “No Kings” demonstration in Salt Lake City, Utah, one person was fatally shot.
Trump has also instructed immigration authorities to prioritize action in sanctuary cities—localities that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement—a move that has heightened friction between state and federal officials during the ongoing protests.
Local leaders in these sanctuary cities continue to assert their right to safeguard undocumented immigrants.
This directive to increase deportations is in line with Trump’s campaign pledge to carry out the “largest deportation programme of criminals in the history of America”.
Surveys ahead of the 2024 election indicated broad public approval for this plan. However, since the initiative’s expansion, opposition demonstrations have become more frequent.
This recent order was issued just a day after the Trump administration told immigration officers to temporarily reduce enforcement activities at farms, hotels, restaurants, and meatpacking plants.
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