Before the 2024 election, there was a widespread belief that only undocumented individuals with criminal backgrounds (AKA bad hombres) would face deportation if Donald Trump were to win the presidency. However, this is not accurate. Trump and his henchmen have clearly communicated its broader immigration enforcement plans, which extend beyond just targeting those with criminal records.
“No one receives a free pass anymore.”
A week into Donald Trump’s second term as President of the United States, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers are operating with a renewed sense of mission in their efforts to crack down on illegal immigration. The agency’s approach has shifted significantly, emphasizing that “no one receives a free pass anymore.”
ICE’s current focus remains on individuals deemed threats to public safety and national security, similar to the previous administration’s approach. However, it is important to acknowledge that during their search for the so-called ‘bad hombres,’ law-abiding immigrants they stumble upon will also be detained.
- Targeted Operations: ICE officers are conducting targeted operations to apprehend specific individuals with serious criminal backgrounds.
- Collateral Arrests: Officers are now authorized to detain individuals without legal status encountered during operations targeting other migrants for removal.
- Sensitive Locations: The administration has removed longstanding guidelines that limited ICE operations in “sensitive locations” such as schools, churches, and hospitals.
On a recent Monday morning, ICE officers in Maryland demonstrated their new approach. A dozen officers gathered before dawn and spread out to the Washington suburbs. Their targets included individuals wanted for homicide, armed robbery, possession of child sexual abuse material, and drug and gun convictions. And by the end of the day, ICE had detained 13 individuals in Maryland: 9 intended targets and 4 others encountered during the operation.
Keywords: … And 4 others encountered during the operation
This strategy clearly represents a phased approach, prioritizing the detention of serious criminals initially, along with any incidental captures. In the subsequent phase, attention will then shift to addressing everyone else.
The new administration’s policies have led to a significant increase in ICE’s daily arrest figures. Average daily arrests rose from 311 in the year ending September 30 to 956 on a recent Sunday and 1,179 on a Monday. If maintained, these levels would represent the highest daily averages since ICE began tracking such data.
ICE officials are actively working to dispel misconceptions about their operations. Matt Elliston, head of ICE’s Baltimore field office, emphasizes that operations remain targeted and are not indiscriminate “raids.” Efforts are being made to foster relationships with elected officials and law enforcement agencies, particularly in areas with sanctuary policies.
While the new approach has raised concerns among migrants and advocates, ICE officials maintain that their focus is on public safety and national security threats. The agency continues to adapt its strategies in line with the current administration’s immigration enforcement priorities.