The Trump administration has intensified its crackdown on illegal immigration, with the US Justice Department initiating enforcement operations in Chicago as part of a broader multi-agency effort, according to The New York Times.
US Vice President JD Vance has endorsed controversial immigration raids on schools and religious buildings, arguing they could serve as a deterrent to illegal immigration. “If you have a person who is convicted of a violent crime, whether they are an illegal immigrant or not, you have to go and get that person to protect public safety,” Vance stated. He added that such measures are not unique to immigration enforcement.
Vance expressed hope that the raids would have a “chilling effect” on illegal immigration, signaling the administration’s willingness to target even sensitive locations if necessary.
Tom Homan, Trump’s Border Czar, outlined the logistical demands of the administration’s sweeping deportation plans, including the need for at least 100,000 detention beds. He called on Congress to allocate the necessary funding, emphasizing that the administration views immigration as the top mandate from voters.
“The Congress, I think the president has a mandate. This is the number one issue that people voted on, and I think Congress has a mandate to give us money,” Homan said.
When questioned about potential raids in schools or churches, Homan said actions would be determined on a “case-by-case basis.” He also suggested that high-school-aged individuals could be affiliated with gangs, making them legitimate targets for enforcement.
Homan stated that deportations would “steadily increase” as the administration broadens its scope to target all undocumented individuals, not just those with criminal records.
Homan noted that funding for mass deportation efforts would ultimately depend on Congress. He linked the crackdown to national security concerns, referencing the death of Georgia student Laken Riley, allegedly killed by a migrant, as a driving force behind the Republican immigration agenda.
“We need to put pressure on national security,” Homan said, emphasizing that the administration’s measures are aimed at ensuring public safety.
In a related development, the Trump administration shut down an app introduced under President Biden that allowed asylum-seekers to schedule appointments at ports of entry. Homan dismissed the app as an “illegitimate method” for migrants to gain entry into the US.
“Go to the embassy, go to the port of entry, do it the legal way. You shouldn’t come to this country and ask for asylum by breaking our laws through illegal entry,” Homan said.
The administration’s actions have sparked significant debate, with critics raising concerns over the targeting of sensitive locations like schools and churches. The crackdown reflects the administration’s hardline stance on immigration, prioritizing strict enforcement and the expansion of deportation efforts to include undocumented individuals without criminal records.
As the administration moves forward with its controversial policies, the response from Congress and the public remains to be seen, particularly regarding the funding and ethical implications of these measures.