HEMPSTEAD, NY – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is set to initiate extensive operations targeting sanctuary cities, including Chicago, New York City and Long Island, immediately following President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. These operations, commencing Tuesday, January 21, will focus on individuals with existing removal orders.
Tom Homan, the incoming border czar, has emphasized that the mass deportations will prioritize illegal immigrants who pose threats to public safety. Homan also outlined a no-tolerance approach, emphasizing that ICE will enforce immigration laws “without apology.”
In Chicago, the operation is expected to involve approximately 200 ICE officers. Similar actions are planned in other cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Denver, and Miami. These efforts aim to enforce immigration laws rigorously, particularly in jurisdictions with sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal authorities.
Mayor Eric Adams of New York City has stated that local laws prohibit city agencies, including the NYPD, from assisting ICE in civil immigration enforcement, except in cases involving suspected terrorists or significant public safety threats. This stance aligns with New York City’s status as a sanctuary city.
Historically, Long Island has been a focal point for ICE enforcement activities. For instance, in 2017, ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested 25 individuals during a six-day operation on Long Island, known as Operation Secure Streets. Additionally, in 2018, a five-day operation led to the arrest of 65 individuals in New York City and Long Island.
According to Newsday, some houses of worship on Long Island fear Trump will overturn a long-standing prohibition against agents raiding them to arrest immigrants in the country illegally.
Donald Trump said mass deportations will begin “very quickly” after taking office.
“It will begin very quickly,” said Trump. “We have to get the criminals out of our country.”
