U.S. President Donald Trump has ignited a political firestorm with his latest immigration directive, calling for what he described as “the largest Mass Deportation Programme in history.”
The controversial push, unveiled Monday via his Truth Social platform, orders Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, agents to dramatically increase arrests and deportations across the country — especially in Democrat-run cities.
“Los Angeles, Chicago, New York — all of them must be prioritized,” Trump declared, instructing federal authorities to crack down hard on undocumented immigrants.
The directive was met with immediate and intense backlash, sparking mass protests in major urban centers, where activists, immigrant groups, and civil rights advocates accused the administration of targeting marginalized communities and stoking fear.
In Los Angeles, the situation escalated when the Trump administration deployed National Guard troops and even U.S. marines to enforce the order.
The move was sharply condemned by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who denounced the military presence as “an unconstitutional use of force on American soil.”
Newsom, widely considered a top Democratic contender for the 2028 presidential race, vowed to challenge the president’s actions both in court and through legislation.
READ ALSO: Americans protest against Trump’s power grab postures
Mass deportation has long been a pillar of Trump’s immigration platform. During his campaign and first months in office, he promised sweeping action against what he called “lawlessness at the border.”
Reports from federal data disclosed that an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants currently reside in the United States, many of whom work in critical sectors such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality.
However, Trump’s strict approach may already be hitting economic turbulence. Last Thursday, he acknowledged growing concerns from within key industries, especially farming and hospitality.
“Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long-time workers away from them,” he posted online, signaling possible exceptions for those sectors.
According to The New York Times, the policy adjustment came after Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins personally contacted the president, conveying the anxiety among farm owners who are already grappling with labor shortages.
Sources inside the administration said a more “targeted approach” may be considered, although no formal exemptions have been announced yet.
Meanwhile, rallies continue to intensify nationwide, with demonstrators waving signs that read “Immigrants Are America” and “No Human Being is Illegal.”
Advocacy groups are mobilizing legal aid networks to support those at risk of deportation, while several cities have reaffirmed their sanctuary policies in defiance of federal threats.
NAN
