The week after President Trump’s inauguration marked the beginning of what he has called a new era of mass deportations targeting migrants with criminal backgrounds. This largely comes as a result of Trump’s sweeping use of executive orders. Immigration enforcement via executive order was one of Trump’s many promises on the campaign trail.
Tom Homan, whom many have christened Trump’s border czar, stated that several people convicted of serious crimes were apprehended. Homan claimed that among those arrested in Chicago were six individuals convicted of multiple sex offenses, two who were previously convicted of murder and aggravated battery, and several gang members. Homan did add that detentions of people with no criminal convictions, so called “collateral arrests” would occur.
ICE has made at least 2,681 arrests since Donald Trump’s inauguration last Monday. 956 of those arrests happened on January 26th alone. Given the incredible speed at which these events are unfolding, it’s unclear how many of those arrested had a criminal history. While The Washington Post reported that Trump directed ICE officials to arrest 1,200 to 1,500 people a day, Homan stated that a formal quota does not exist and that their goal is to simply “Arrest as many as [they] can.”
Homan, who was in Chicago for immigration enforcement operations, emphasized that while their goal is to “get as many criminals as possible” they’re still conducting these enforcement operations with the intent of putting “America’s safety first.” Homan has also clarified that decisions to enter what are defined as “sensitive locations” such as churches and schools for the sake of enforcement operations will be made on a “case-by-case basis.”
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical.
