Key Takeaways
• Trump administration launched largest deportation operations in U.S. history, accelerating removals since June 2025.
• Expedited removal applies nationwide, allowing deportations without court hearings except credible fear claims.
• Mass raids in Los Angeles involve federal agents, National Guard, causing public protests and family separations.
Inside Los Angeles Courthouses: Chaos and Tears as Trump Administration Escalates Deportation Operations
The Trump administration has launched the largest deportation operations in United States 🇺🇸 history, with a dramatic increase in arrests and removals across the country. Over the past week, these actions have been especially visible in Los Angeles, where federal agents, National Guard troops, and local police have carried out mass raids. Migrants attending scheduled court hearings have been detained on the spot, leading to scenes of chaos, confusion, and heartbreak inside courthouses. These sweeping changes are part of President Trump’s second-term promise to enforce strict immigration laws and remove millions of people living in the country without legal status.

What’s Happening Now: The Surge in Deportation Operations
Since January 2025, the Trump administration has made immigration enforcement a top priority. In June 2025, the pace of deportations has accelerated sharply. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the administration’s new executive orders have expanded the use of expedited removal—a process that allows immigration officers to deport people quickly, often without a court hearing.
Key developments include:
- Mass raids in major cities: Los Angeles has become a central focus, with hundreds of migrants detained in and around courthouses, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
- Military and police involvement: Thousands of federal agents, National Guard troops, and deputized local police are now supporting these operations, sometimes against the wishes of local officials.
- Protests and public outcry: Large demonstrations have erupted in Los Angeles and other cities, as families are separated and communities are left in fear.
How Expedited Removal Works: Step-by-Step
The Trump administration’s policy changes have made expedited removal a powerful tool for immigration enforcement. Here’s how the process works:
- Arrest: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other authorized agents detain a non-citizen anywhere in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Eligibility Check: Officers check if the person can be deported through expedited removal. This usually applies to people who cannot prove they have lived in the country for at least two years or who do not have legal status.
- No Court Hearing: Most people in this process do not get a hearing before an immigration judge. The only exception is if they say they are afraid to return to their home country. In that case, they may get a “credible fear” interview to see if they qualify for asylum.
- Removal Order: If the officer decides the person does not have a credible fear, a removal order is issued. The person is then deported, often within days.
For more details on expedited removal, you can visit the official ICE website.
Inside the Courthouse: Real-Life Impact
In Los Angeles, the new deportation operations have led to scenes of panic and distress inside courthouses. Migrants who arrived for scheduled hearings—many hoping to resolve their immigration status—have found themselves detained by ICE agents waiting in hallways and lobbies. Some families have been separated on the spot, with parents taken into custody while children are left behind.
Examples from recent days include:
- A father detained: One man, who came to court for a routine check-in, was arrested in front of his wife and young children. His family was left in tears, unsure of what would happen next.
- Legal confusion: Many people do not understand why they are being detained, especially those who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for years and have no criminal record.
- Lack of legal help: The administration has canceled grants for legal representation for children and families, making it even harder for people to defend themselves.
Why the Trump Administration Is Acting Now
President Trump and his advisers, including Stephen Miller, have described illegal immigration as an “invasion” and say these actions are needed to protect national security and public safety. The administration claims the focus is on “dangerous criminals,” but many of those detained have no criminal history.
Key reasons given by the administration:
- Restoring order: Officials say mass deportations will discourage people from entering the country illegally.
- Protecting jobs: Supporters argue that removing undocumented workers will open up jobs for American citizens.
- National security: The administration says the new travel ban and strict enforcement are needed to keep the country safe.
The New Travel Ban: More Countries Affected
On June 4, 2025, President Trump signed a new proclamation that restricts or blocks entry from 19 countries. This travel ban, which takes effect June 9, 2025, includes complete bans for 12 countries and partial restrictions for 7 others. The administration says these measures are necessary for national security, but critics argue they unfairly target people based on their nationality.
The travel ban has also made it harder for families to reunite and for people from affected countries to visit or study in the United States 🇺🇸. The State Department is responsible for enforcing these new rules and reviewing them every 90 and 180 days.
Policy Changes: Expedited Removal Now Nationwide
One of the most important changes is that expedited removal now applies everywhere in the United States 🇺🇸, not just near the border. Before January 2025, this process was mostly used for people caught within 100 miles of the border and who had been in the country for less than two weeks. Now, it can be used for anyone who cannot prove they have lived in the country for at least two years, no matter where they are found.
This means that many long-term residents—some who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for years—can be deported quickly, without a hearing before a judge.
The Numbers: How Many Are Affected?
- Immigration court backlog: There are now over 3.5 million cases waiting to be heard in immigration courts, three times more than in 2020.
- Scope of deportations: The Trump administration has said it plans to deport millions of people, calling this the largest operation in U.S. history. Exact numbers for June 2025 are not yet available, but the scale is unprecedented.
- Public opinion: A CBS News poll from June 10, 2025, found that half of Americans believe President Trump is deporting more people than expected. Most of those who think this way do not support the program, especially when it targets people with no criminal record. However, overall approval is positive, with strong support among Republicans.
Who Is Involved? Key Stakeholders
- President Trump: Continues to push for strict immigration enforcement, saying it is necessary for the country’s safety.
- Stephen Miller: Senior adviser and main architect of the deportation agenda, supporting the use of military and police in these operations.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio: Announced the proposed Office of Remigration, which would help people return to their home countries voluntarily, especially from countries with shrinking populations.
- Local officials and advocates: Many local leaders and legal groups in Los Angeles and other cities strongly oppose the raids, saying they separate families and create fear in communities.
Community Response: Fear, Uncertainty, and Protest
The impact of these deportation operations has been felt deeply in immigrant communities, especially in Los Angeles. Many people are now afraid to go to work, send their children to school, or even visit hospitals, worried they could be arrested at any time.
Community reactions include:
- Large protests: Thousands have taken to the streets in Los Angeles and other cities, demanding an end to the raids and calling for the protection of families.
- Legal challenges: Civil rights groups and local governments are challenging the administration’s actions in court, arguing that they violate due process and basic rights.
- Support networks: Community organizations are working to provide legal help, emergency support, and information to those at risk of deportation.
Legal and Humanitarian Concerns
Many legal experts and human rights groups warn that the expansion of expedited removal is eroding due process—the right to a fair hearing before being deported. Because most people in this process do not see a judge or have a lawyer, there is a higher risk of wrongful removals and family separations.
Other concerns include:
- No legal representation: The Trump administration has stopped funding for legal help for children and families, making it even harder for people to defend themselves.
- Family separation: Rapid deportations often split up families, leaving children without parents and causing long-term trauma.
- International criticism: The travel ban and new deportation policies have strained relations with many countries and drawn criticism from human rights organizations.
The Office of Remigration: A New Approach
The administration has proposed creating an “Office of Remigration” within the State Department. This office would help people return to their home countries voluntarily, especially from countries with shrinking populations. At the same time, the administration is proposing deep cuts to refugee assistance programs, reducing support for those fleeing violence or persecution.
Historical Background: How Did We Get Here?
During President Trump’s first term, the administration introduced travel bans, increased enforcement inside the country, and tried to end protections for certain groups, like DACA and TPS holders. Many of these actions faced legal challenges.
In his second term, President Trump has moved quickly to expand enforcement, restrict asylum, and suspend refugee admissions. Some of these executive orders, such as those affecting birthright citizenship, are currently blocked by federal courts, but most enforcement actions are moving forward.
What’s Next? The Future of Immigration Enforcement
- Ongoing legal battles: Many of the administration’s policies are being challenged in court, especially those affecting due process and citizenship. The outcomes are still uncertain.
- Review of travel ban: The new travel ban will be reviewed every 90 and 180 days, with possible changes to the list of affected countries.
- Congressional action: The administration is asking Congress to cut funding for refugee programs and support more enforcement measures.
- Community response: Protests and advocacy are expected to grow, with local governments and civil society groups working to support affected families and challenge federal actions.
What Should Immigrants and Families Do?
If you or someone you know is at risk of deportation, it’s important to:
- Know your rights: Everyone has the right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer. You do not have to open the door to ICE agents unless they have a signed warrant from a judge.
- Keep documents safe: Carry proof of your time in the United States 🇺🇸, such as bills, pay stubs, or school records, to show you have lived here for more than two years.
- Seek legal help: Contact trusted legal organizations, such as the American Immigration Council or the ACLU, for advice and support.
- Stay informed: Follow updates from official sources, such as USCIS and ICE, for the latest information on immigration policies and forms.
Official Resources
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- U.S. Department of State
- American Immigration Council
- ACLU
- Official White House Website
Conclusion: A Nation Divided
The Trump administration’s mass deportation operations have brought chaos, fear, and heartbreak to communities across the United States 🇺🇸, especially in cities like Los Angeles. While supporters say these actions are needed to protect the country, critics argue they violate basic rights and harm families. As legal battles continue and protests grow, the future of immigration policy remains uncertain. For now, millions of people are living with fear and uncertainty, waiting to see what comes next.
For more information on your rights and the latest immigration policies, visit the official ICE website.
Learn Today
Expedited Removal → A fast deportation process allowing removal without court hearing unless credible fear is claimed.
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) → Federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and carrying out deportations.
National Guard → Military reserve force deployed to assist in domestic law enforcement operations like deportations.
Credible Fear Interview → A screening to determine if a detained immigrant fears persecution and qualifies for asylum.
Executive Order → A directive issued by the President to manage federal government operations and policies.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Trump administration escalated deportations nationwide, focusing on Los Angeles courthouses where migrants face sudden arrests. Expedited removal accelerates deportation without judicial hearings. Military and police aid enforcement, driving protests and fear. Legal challenges arise over due process loss and family separations amid the largest U.S. deportation surge ever witnessed.
— By VisaVerge.com