Trump Declares War on ‘Millions Upon Millions’ of Illegal Immigrants in US Cities

Key Takeaways

• 4,700 federal troops deployed to Los Angeles in June 2025 to support mass deportation efforts.
• The 1940 Alien Registration Act revived, requiring undocumented immigrants to register or face prosecution.
• Trump’s policies include raids in sensitive locations and suspension of humanitarian programs like TPS and DACA.

President Trump’s New Immigration Crackdown: What It Means for Los Angeles and Other Major Cities

President Trump has launched a sweeping new campaign against undocumented immigrants, focusing especially on large cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. This move marks one of the most aggressive immigration enforcement pushes in recent U.S. history. The administration’s actions include mass deportation efforts, the deployment of federal forces, and the revival of old laws to force undocumented immigrants to register with the government. These changes have sparked legal battles, protests, and widespread fear among immigrant communities.

Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects people living in Los Angeles and other major cities.

What’s Happening: The Major Developments

Who: President Trump and his administration
What: Expanded detention, deportation, and registration of undocumented immigrants
When: Major actions began in early 2025, with new orders and deployments in June 2025
Where: Focus on Democrat-led cities, especially Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York
Why: Trump says these steps are needed for national security and to protect American jobs
How: Through executive orders, federal deployments, and revived laws

President Trump has made it clear that he wants to remove what he calls “millions upon millions” of illegal aliens from the United States 🇺🇸. He has ordered federal agencies to ramp up raids, detentions, and deportations, especially in cities with large immigrant populations. Los Angeles has become a central battleground, with thousands of federal troops now on the ground.

Federal Forces Deployed to Los Angeles

In June 2025, after a series of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids led to protests and some violence in Los Angeles, President Trump sent 4,000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to the city. This move overruled objections from California state and local leaders, who argued that the deployment was unnecessary and would only increase tensions.

California has responded by filing a lawsuit in federal court, seeking to regain control of its National Guard. The legal fight is ongoing, and the outcome could set important limits on federal power in immigration enforcement.

Key facts:
– 4,000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines deployed to Los Angeles in June 2025
– California is suing to regain control of its National Guard
– Federal forces are supporting ICE in raids and detentions

Revival of the Alien Registration Act

One of the most controversial steps taken by the Trump administration is the revival of the Alien Registration Act of 1940. This law, which had not been used in decades, now requires all undocumented immigrants to register with the government. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says this is a way to encourage “mass self-deportation.” In other words, the administration hopes that fear of being caught will lead many undocumented immigrants to leave the country on their own.

The registration process involves filling out a detailed seven-page form, which asks for personal information, details about how and when the person entered the United States 🇺🇸, and where they have lived since arriving. According to DHS, about 3.2 million undocumented immigrants are not yet registered. As of June 2025, only 47,000 people have completed the new registration form.

Catch-22 Situation:
Legal experts warn that this law puts undocumented immigrants in a no-win situation. If they register, they risk being identified and deported. If they do not register, they can be prosecuted for failing to follow the law. Several criminal cases against immigrants for not registering have already been dismissed by a federal judge, who said the rules were unclear. However, the Justice Department is appealing, and more prosecutions are expected.

Registration steps:
1. Complete the registration form: A seven-page document asking for personal and entry details. The official form can be found on the Department of Homeland Security website.
2. Submit the form: DHS reviews the information for possible enforcement action.
3. Risk of prosecution: Failure to register can lead to criminal charges.

Expanded Deportation and Enforcement

President Trump’s executive orders since January 2025 have dismantled many protections put in place during the Biden administration. The southern border is now closed to most asylum seekers, and ICE has been given new authority to conduct raids in places that were previously considered “sensitive locations,” such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship.

Key points:
– Raids in sensitive locations: ICE can now operate in schools, hospitals, and religious sites.
– Detention and removal: People detained may be deported quickly, often without a court hearing.
– Legal proceedings: Immigrants can face criminal charges for not registering or be processed through immigration courts, with fewer chances for legal relief.

Suspension of Humanitarian Programs

The Trump administration has also suspended or is trying to end several humanitarian programs that offered protection to certain groups of immigrants. These include:

• Temporary Protected Status (TPS): A program that lets people from countries facing war or disaster stay in the United States 🇺🇸 temporarily.
• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): Protects people who were brought to the United States 🇺🇸 as children from deportation.
• Visas for victims of crime: Programs that help people who have been victims of crime or trafficking.

Ending these programs puts hundreds of thousands of people at risk of deportation and leaves them without legal status.

Travel Ban Expansion

On June 4, 2025, President Trump signed a new proclamation expanding travel bans to nationals from 19 countries. The ban takes effect on June 9 and includes full bans on 12 countries and partial restrictions on seven more. There are some exceptions for certain visa categories and humanitarian cases, but the rules are strict.

Impact on Los Angeles and Other Cities

Los Angeles is home to one of the largest immigrant populations in the United States 🇺🇸. The city has long been a place where immigrants from around the world come to live, work, and build new lives. The new policies have created widespread fear and uncertainty in these communities.

Practical effects:
– Fear of raids: Many people are afraid to go to work, school, or even the doctor, worried they might be caught in a raid.
– Avoiding services: Some immigrants are staying away from hospitals, schools, and places of worship to avoid detection.
– Economic impact: Businesses in Los Angeles and other cities worry about losing workers and customers. Mass deportations could disrupt local economies.

Legal and Political Battles

The Trump administration’s actions have sparked a wave of lawsuits and political fights. California and other states are challenging the use of federal forces and the new registration requirements. Immigrant advocacy groups, such as the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, are fighting the policies in court, arguing that they are discriminatory and violate basic rights.

Legal challenges:
– State vs. federal authority: States like California argue that Trump has overstepped his power by taking control of their National Guard units.
– Registration law: Courts are reviewing whether the revived Alien Registration Act is legal and fair.
– Humanitarian protections: Lawsuits are challenging the end of programs like TPS and DACA.

Multiple Perspectives

Trump Administration:
President Trump and his team say these actions are needed to protect the country, keep Americans safe, and defend jobs. They argue that “millions upon millions” of illegal aliens are living in cities like Los Angeles, putting a strain on resources and public safety.

State and Local Officials:
Leaders in California and other states say the federal government is undermining local control and making communities less safe. They argue that trust between immigrants and local police is essential for public safety.

Advocacy Groups:
Groups that support immigrants call the new policies inhumane and discriminatory. They warn that the crackdown will separate families, hurt children, and violate international human rights agreements.

Business Community:
Many business leaders warn that mass deportations and strict enforcement will hurt the economy, especially in cities that depend on immigrant workers.

Background: How Did We Get Here?

First Trump Administration (2017–2021):
President Trump’s first term saw strict immigration policies, including travel bans and family separations.

Biden Administration (2021–2025):
President Biden rolled back many Trump-era policies, expanded protections for undocumented immigrants, and focused on humanitarian relief.

Second Trump Administration (2025–):
Since returning to office, President Trump has quickly reversed Biden’s changes, closing the border, ending asylum access, and launching mass deportation efforts.

Alien Registration Act (1940):
This old law required non-citizens to register with the government. It was rarely used in recent decades but is now a key tool in Trump’s crackdown.

Quantitative Data: The Numbers Behind the Policies

• Estimated undocumented population: 10–11 million nationwide, with “millions upon millions” in major cities, according to Trump.
• Registration compliance: 47,000 undocumented immigrants have registered since April 2025.
• Federal deployment: 4,000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines in Los Angeles.
• Legal cases: At least five criminal cases for non-registration dismissed so far, but more are expected.

Step-by-Step: What Undocumented Immigrants Must Do

1. Register: Complete the seven-page registration form with personal and entry details. Find the official form at the Department of Homeland Security website.
2. Screening: DHS reviews the information for possible enforcement action.
3. Enforcement: ICE and other agencies may conduct raids, even in places like schools and hospitals.
4. Detention and removal: Detained individuals may be deported quickly, sometimes without a court hearing.
5. Legal proceedings: Immigrants may face criminal charges for not registering or go through immigration courts, with fewer chances for legal relief.

Implications for Stakeholders

Immigrants:
Face increased risk of detention, deportation, and prosecution. Many are afraid to access basic services or report crimes.

Employers:
May lose workers and face hiring challenges. Some businesses worry about raids and compliance burdens.

Families:
Risk being separated if one or more members are detained or deported.

Local governments:
Struggle to maintain trust with immigrant communities and manage the impact of federal actions.

Legal community:
Attorneys and advocacy groups are overwhelmed with requests for help and are fighting new laws in court.

Human Rights and International Concerns

Human rights organizations warn that these policies may violate international agreements, including the right to seek asylum and protection from being sent back to dangerous countries. They also argue that raids in sensitive locations put lives at risk and undermine public health and safety.

Economic Impact

Mass deportations could disrupt labor markets, especially in cities like Los Angeles that rely on immigrant workers in industries such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality. Economic analysts warn that removing large numbers of workers could slow growth and hurt local businesses.

What’s Next? The Future Outlook

• Legal challenges: Ongoing lawsuits could block or change some of the new policies. Key cases are pending in federal courts.
• Expansion of enforcement: If courts do not intervene, expect more raids, detentions, and deportations, especially in major cities.
• Congressional action: Immigration reform remains stalled in Congress, with no major changes expected soon.
• International effects: Other countries may follow the United States 🇺🇸 in adopting stricter immigration policies.

Practical Guidance for Those Affected

If you or someone you know is affected by these policies:
– Seek legal help: Contact a trusted immigration attorney or advocacy group. Resources like Legal Aid NYC and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights can provide support.
– Stay informed: Follow updates from official sources like the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
– Know your rights: Learn what to do if approached by ICE or other authorities. Many advocacy groups offer “Know Your Rights” materials in multiple languages.

Summary Table: Key Trump Immigration Actions (2025)

Conclusion

President Trump’s renewed focus on removing illegal aliens from cities like Los Angeles has changed the landscape of immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸. The combination of mass deportation efforts, revived registration laws, and expanded federal power has created deep uncertainty for millions of people. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation remains highly fluid, with legal battles and policy changes unfolding daily. For those affected, staying informed and seeking legal help is more important than ever.

For more information and official updates, visit the Department of Homeland Security.

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Learn Today

Undocumented Immigrants → People residing in the U.S. without legal immigration status or proper authorization.
Alien Registration Act → A 1940 law requiring non-citizens to register with the government, recently revived for enforcement.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, agency responsible for immigration enforcement and deportations.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) → A humanitarian program allowing temporary stay for people from disaster-affected countries.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) → A program protecting certain undocumented immigrants brought as children from deportation.

This Article in a Nutshell

President Trump’s 2025 crackdown targets major cities with mass deportations, revived registration laws, and expanded federal forces. Los Angeles sees thousands of troops enforcing new policies. Immigrant communities face fear, legal battles, and economic disruption amid heightened immigration enforcement nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com