The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has begun conducting large-scale immigration raids in New York as part of its campaign to deport migrants, reports the Washington Post.
According to the publication, the raids affected the largest U.S. city on Tuesday when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and other federal officials began operations in areas where “sanctuary” policies limit local authorities’ cooperation with immigration services. Migrants with criminal backgrounds are a priority for ICE, but during the raids, those without proof of legal status may also be detained.
According to the Washington Post, the number of arrests made by ICE increased from 286 to 1,179 per day in the early days of the operation. The agency emphasizes that the primary focus is on deporting those who have recently crossed the U.S. border.
The newspaper also notes that such actions could lead to heightened tensions in immigrant neighborhoods and increased strain on ICE’s infrastructure, especially in large cities.
On January 20, the day of his inauguration, Trump promised to immediately stop the influx of illegal migrants into the U.S. and begin the process of their mass extradition. He also declared a nationwide state of emergency at the southern border.
