Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has apprehended over 7,400 individuals across various states in just nine days, marking a notable escalation in efforts to combat illegal immigration under the current administration's policies.
This crackdown is characterized by extensive raids conducted in homes, workplaces, and other locations, leading to a marked increase in deportations. Additionally, the administration has revealed plans to transfer the most dangerous migrants to Guantánamo Bay. By January 31, ICE reported the arrests of 7,412 individuals allegedly residing in the country unlawfully, with nearly 6,000 ICE detainers issued.
The agency has actively shared information regarding daily arrest totals and specifics of multiple raids on social media platforms, focusing particularly on sanctuary cities such as New York City, Chicago, and Boston. Among the individuals detained are those accused of serious offences, including sex crimes against minors, rapes, and drug-related violations. Notably, violent gang members affiliated with organizations such as Tren de Aragua and MS-13 have also been part of these operations.
Border czar Tom Homan indicates that the current enforcement strategy prioritizes violent offenders. Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security who oversees ICE, affirms that federal immigration authorities are concentrating on what she described as the "worst of the worst," claiming that these operations have resulted in safer urban environments. These enforcement actions have frequently been conducted in collaboration with other federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
A significant operation in New York City saw Secretary Noem participating in the arrest of Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, a 26-year-old alleged leader of the Tren de Aragua gang. Zambrano-Pacheco was previously known for his involvement in a viral incident where armed men forcibly entered an apartment in Aurora, Colorado. Another high-profile arrest involved Luis Adolfo Guerra Perez, a 19-year-old Guatemalan citizen and MS-13 member, detained in Massachusetts.
Guerra Perez, facing state gun charges, had been previously ordered deported but was released by a Boston court. ICE has disclosed details regarding over 60 cases, while the White House has provided information on an additional 20 arrests. However, the criminal backgrounds of most of those arrested have not been publicly shared. The timing of these arrests coincides with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's announcement that the most dangerous criminal migrants will be temporarily housed at Guantánamo Bay detention centre.
Hegseth also suggests that military action against cartels is under consideration following President Donald Trump's instructions to prepare the facility for the potential detention of 30,000 "criminal illegal aliens."
The response to these enforcement actions has been mixed. Some residents and activists have welcomed the increased law enforcement efforts, while the mayors of Chicago and Boston have reiterated their commitment to maintain sanctuary city policies.