Recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation raids across the U.S. have triggered widespread protests and sparked national outrage. Despite the public backlash, the raids not only continued but escalated, with the Trump administration vowing to intensify enforcement. President Donald Trump praised ICE’s actions, calling them the “toughest crackdown on immigration in U.S. history.” Labeling critics as “radical Democrat politicians,” Trump used his Truth Social platform to express support for ICE officers and announced a directive to carry out the largest mass deportation program ever. Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff and architect of Trump’s immigration agenda, revealed plans to increase daily arrests of undocumented immigrants from 650 to 3,000.

Targeting cities with high undocumented populations—Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago—Trump framed the operation as a defense against what he called Democratic efforts to “cheat in elections” and expand the “welfare state.” He accused Democrats of harming inner cities and stealing jobs and benefits from American citizens. His directive was backed by calls for expanded action from federal agencies, including ICE, the FBI, and the Pentagon. Meanwhile, the “No Kings” movement organized large-scale protests nationwide, coinciding with a military parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s birthday. Tragically, one person was killed during a protest in Salt Lake City. The unfolding events underscore deep divisions over immigration policy and raise concerns about the scale and human cost of these enforcement measures.