Nationwide Immigration Raids and Arrests Under Trump’s Second Term
President Donald Trump’s renewed crackdown on immigration has become a central focus in the early days of his second term. From his executive order on birthright citizenship to an increasing number of immigration raids across the country, enforcement efforts have escalated. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has been publicizing daily arrest totals, reporting 3,104 arrests in the past three days and more than 4,500 since Thursday.
While strict enforcement of immigration laws is not new, President Joe Biden’s administration also carried out a significant number of deportations, expelling over 271,000 people last year—the highest figure since 2014, according to ICE. The Trump administration has reaffirmed its focus on removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
Austin, Texas Police Chief Lisa Davis noted that many of those targeted in recent operations were already wanted for violent offenses. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that, according to the administration’s perspective, all undocumented immigrants are considered criminals for violating immigration laws.
Immigration Raids by State
Texas
Given its extensive border with Mexico, Texas was a primary target for multiple raids last weekend in cities such as Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Laredo. Federal agencies, including the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), participated in these operations. Although exact arrest numbers were not immediately available, Texas Public Radio reported that 84 ICE arrests occurred in the Dallas metropolitan area.
Austin’s police chief stated that while her department was not directly involved, federal authorities informed her that the operations targeted “wanted violent offenders.” Jorge Vela, a defense lawyer in the city, indicated that while the scale of enforcement has increased, such operations are not a new development.
Colorado
Federal agents conducted a raid in Adams County, Colorado, on Sunday, arresting more than 40 undocumented immigrants. The local DEA office stated that the operation focused on drug trafficking and members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA). Authorities seized drugs, weapons, and cash during the raid. The investigation reportedly began under the Biden administration. Officials are also paying close attention to Aurora, a city that Trump cited as being overrun by Venezuelan gangs during his campaign.
Illinois
In Chicago, officials confirmed that at least 100 people had been detained as part of the immigration enforcement surge. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling noted that while local officers did not participate in the raids, federal agencies informed them beforehand. He reassured the public that the operations were targeted and did not involve random arrests at workplaces or in neighborhoods.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson criticized the federal crackdown, denouncing what he described as an effort to “popularize fear.” He pledged that the city would continue to uphold civil and human rights while welcoming immigrants.
Florida
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Investigations in Tallahassee, alongside the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), detained 12 suspected undocumented immigrants in Jefferson County on Tuesday. The FHP posted images of the operation, expressing support for Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts. Additionally, ICE’s Miami office announced the arrests of a Nicaraguan and a Jamaican resident on multiple charges.
New Jersey
In Newark, ICE agents raided a local business without a warrant on Thursday, detaining both undocumented immigrants and American citizens, according to Mayor Ras Baraka. Among those arrested was a U.S. military veteran whose service documentation was questioned.
New Jersey, home to nearly half a million undocumented residents, frequently clashed with the Trump administration during his first term, and state officials appear poised to resist again. Baraka asserted that Newark would not “stand idly by while people are unlawfully terrorized.”
New York
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem participated in immigration arrests in New York City, posting videos and images of the operations. She highlighted the arrest of Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, a suspected member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, who was wanted for multiple violent crimes, including burglary and kidnapping.
New York Mayor Eric Adams stated that the city had cooperated with federal authorities to apprehend violent criminals. Meanwhile, in Westchester County, ICE informed the Sleepy Hollow Police Department of their presence in the area to serve warrants for two specific individuals with criminal records.
California
Federal agencies in California have pledged to support immigration enforcement, sharing photos of operations on social media. The DEA and DHS worked alongside the FBI to conduct targeted actions in Los Angeles and San Diego.
In San Francisco, State Senator Scott Weiner reported ICE activity in downtown office buildings. Similarly, in San Jose, City Councilmember Peter Ortiz confirmed ICE sightings in multiple locations. Officials have been informing residents about ongoing operations to ensure transparency and preparedness.
