In one of its earliest moves to enforce a hardline immigration policy, the administration of Donald Trump, who returns to the White House on Monday, is set to initiate large-scale arrests of undocumented immigrants across the United States starting Tuesday.
This development was confirmed by Tom Homan, the newly appointed “border czar,” during an interview with Fox News.
Mass Deportation Plans Confirmed
The planned immigration raids represent a significant step in fulfilling Trump’s campaign promise to deport millions of undocumented immigrants.
Speaking to Fox News, Homan indicated that the operation would be extensive and was intended to send a strong message about the administration’s commitment to immigration enforcement.
“This will be a big raid, and Chicago will be ground zero,” Homan declared, highlighting the city’s significant immigrant population as a focal point for the initiative.
Chicago, like many urban centers across the U.S., has long been home to a diverse immigrant community, many of whom live without legal status.
Leaked Details Prompt Concerns
Reports from major outlets, including the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, suggest that the operation will commence on the first full day of Trump’s administration, with Chicago serving as a key starting point.
The leaks have sparked widespread concern among immigrant communities and advocates.
Homan’s comments to the Washington Post on Sunday evening revealed that the administration is reassessing some aspects of the operation after preliminary details were leaked to the media.
Despite this, he issued a stern warning to critics of the administration’s deportation agenda, particularly targeting Democratic lawmakers.
“Stay out of the way,” he said, underscoring the administration’s resolve.
A Campaign Promise in Action
Donald Trump’s renewed focus on immigration reflects one of the central themes of his political platform.
During his campaign, he repeatedly pledged to oversee what he described as the “largest deportation program in U.S. history.”
These raids, if executed as planned, would mark a major step in implementing this vision.
The scope of the planned deportations has alarmed immigrant rights groups and some public officials, who have called for transparency and humane treatment of those targeted.
Critics argue that mass raids could lead to family separations, undermine trust in law enforcement, and disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
Chicago’s Role and the Broader Implications
Chicago, a city with a longstanding reputation as a sanctuary for immigrants, has been identified as a key target for the raids.
This has fueled anxiety among residents and prompted local leaders to issue statements reaffirming their commitment to protecting immigrant communities.
Mayor and city officials have urged federal authorities to reconsider the scope of the planned raids, emphasizing the potential social and economic consequences of such actions.
Advocacy groups have also ramped up efforts to inform undocumented residents of their rights and provide resources to those at risk of detention.
What Comes Next?
As the new administration takes office, the planned immigration raids are likely to ignite fierce debate across the political spectrum.
Supporters of Trump’s policies argue that these measures are necessary to uphold the rule of law and protect national security.
Opponents, however, warn that the aggressive approach risks alienating communities, exacerbating social divisions, and undermining fundamental human rights.
For now, immigrant communities across the country brace for what could be a tumultuous start to the Trump administration’s second term.
The spotlight remains firmly on Chicago, as the city prepares for potential raids that could set the tone for the administration’s broader immigration agenda.