Trump administration plans widespread immigration raids starting next week

Tom Homan, the border official in Donald Trump’s upcoming administration, announced that US immigration authorities will commence large-scale arrests of undocumented immigrants starting next Tuesday.

Reports from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and various media outlets indicate that the operation will involve intensive raids across several American cities, including Chicago.

"The administration has been clear that we're going to start arresting people on day one, and Chicago's probably not going to be the only place that arrests are going to be made," a source told Fox News.

Arrests are expected to take place throughout the week, with the participation of between 100 and 200 officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In a statement to Fox News, Homan, who is often referred to as the "border czar," emphasized the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws without limitations.

"We will allow ICE to do its job without constraints," he stated. Homan indicated that the focus would initially be on criminal aliens who pose a direct threat to public safety, but he warned that all individuals residing in the country illegally would face consequences.

As preparations for these raids unfold, local authorities, particularly in Chicago—a city known for its sanctuary policies—have reaffirmed their stance. A spokesperson for the Chicago Police Department confirmed that the local police would not intervene in the actions of federal immigration authorities and would not share information about immigrants.

Chicago has emerged as a key target for these operations due to its substantial immigrant population and the political tensions between the Trump administration and the city’s mayor, Brandon Johnson.

Economists have raised concerns about the potential adverse effects of mass deportations on sectors heavily reliant on immigrant labor, such as agriculture, construction, and services. They warn that such actions could lead to significant labor shortages in the US economy, exacerbating existing challenges.

In response to the impending raids, immigrant rights organizations are mobilizing to protect vulnerable populations. These groups are organizing workshops to educate immigrants about their rights and provide legal resources. They are also training individuals on how to navigate encounters with ICE agents.

The issue of US immigration policy has long been a contentious topic, marked by escalating tensions between the federal government and local administrations. Trump has threatened to impose financial penalties on cities that refuse to cooperate with immigration enforcement, further intensifying the debate over this sensitive issue.