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The Trump administration has significantly escalated its immigration enforcement efforts, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announcing a record 1,179 arrests on Monday, January 27, 2025—the highest single-day total since President Donald Trump began his second term just a week ago. This surge in arrests marks a dramatic shift from the previous administration’s approach and has sparked widespread concern among immigrant communities and local officials.
Over the past five days, federal immigration authorities have detained at least 3,552 individuals across major U.S. cities, including Chicago, Miami, and Newark. According to ICE figures, enforcement actions ramped up steadily throughout the week: Thursday saw 538 arrests; Friday 593 arrests; Saturday 286 arrests; Sunday 956 arrests and on Monday 1,179 arrests were made.
These numbers far exceed the daily average of 310.7 immigration-related arrests under President Joe Biden’s administration, highlighting the Trump administration’s aggressive stance on undocumented immigration.
One of the hardest-hit cities was Chicago, where ICE teams, led by former Director Tom Homan, conducted large-scale operations targeting individuals suspected of living in the country without legal documentation. While city officials acknowledged the presence of federal agents, they emphasized that local law enforcement was not involved in the raids.
In Miami, ICE and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officers carried out sweeps that left many families devastated. A Miami resident, speaking to CBS News, described how his wife was arrested despite being in the process of applying for citizenship. “She was following the rules, and they still took her. It’s despicable,” he said.
Newark also saw a significant number of arrests, drawing sharp criticism from Mayor Ras Baraka, who denounced the federal operation. Reports emerged that among those detained were U.S. citizens, including a military veteran. Baraka accused the Trump administration of “terrorizing” communities and vowed to resist what he described as federal overreach.
Since retaking office, President Trump has wasted no time in implementing sweeping immigration restrictions. In his first week alone, he declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border and signed multiple executive orders aimed at curbing immigration and asylum applications. So far, Trump has issued 21 executive orders on immigration, making mass deportation a top priority.
Republicans in Congress have also moved swiftly to back the administration’s agenda. The House of Representatives recently passed the Laken Riley Act, which would mandate the detention of undocumented immigrants arrested for certain crimes. Meanwhile, House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) announced investigations into sanctuary cities such as Boston, Denver, Chicago, and New York City, questioning their impact on public safety and immigration enforcement.
Critics argue that the administration’s aggressive tactics are sweeping up individuals who pose no threat, including lawful residents and even U.S. citizens. Immigration advocates warn that such large-scale operations create fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities, discouraging individuals from reporting crimes or seeking essential services.
Despite the backlash, the Trump administration has doubled down on its position. Tom Homan, one of the architects of Trump’s immigration enforcement policies, defended the raids, stating that the individuals targeted were “public safety threats or national security risks.” However, civil rights groups have questioned the broad criteria used in these arrests, arguing that many detainees have no criminal history.
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