Key Takeaways
• President Trump ordered ICE to increase daily arrests to 3,000 in major Democratic-run cities from June 15-16, 2025.
• ICE raids focus on Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, reducing operations in farms, hotels, and restaurants.
• Operations coordinated with federal, local law enforcement and National Guard, sparking protests and legal challenges.
On June 15-16, 2025, President Donald Trump made a sweeping announcement that has sent shockwaves through immigrant communities, city governments, and businesses across the United States 🇺🇸. In a lengthy post on Truth Social, President Trump ordered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to launch what he called “the single largest Mass Deportation Program in History.” The directive specifically named Democratic-run cities—Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York—as top priorities for new, aggressive enforcement. This move marks a sharp shift in federal immigration policy, coming just days after the administration backed away from targeting farms, hotels, and restaurants following backlash from business leaders and concerns about economic fallout.
Who is affected? Millions of undocumented immigrants living in major cities, their families, local governments, and businesses that rely on immigrant labor.
What is happening? ICE is ramping up raids and deportations in big cities, aiming for 3,000 arrests per day—nearly five times the daily average earlier in 2025.
When did this start? The new directive was made public on June 15-16, 2025, but follows weeks of increased enforcement and protests.
Where is the focus? Major urban centers run by Democratic officials, especially Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.
Why the change? The Trump administration says it is enforcing immigration laws and protecting public safety, while critics argue the policy is politically motivated and harmful to communities and the economy.
How is it being carried out? ICE is coordinating with federal and local law enforcement, sometimes with support from the National Guard, to conduct raids, detain individuals, and process deportations.
Let’s break down what this means for immigrants, city leaders, businesses, and the country as a whole.
Trump’s New ICE Directive: What Changed and Why?
President Donald Trump’s latest order to ICE marks a major escalation in immigration enforcement. After weeks of high-profile raids and protests, the administration has shifted its focus away from farms, meatpacking plants, hotels, and restaurants. These industries had been the target of earlier enforcement actions, but business groups and some Republican lawmakers warned that continued raids could cause severe labor shortages and disrupt the food supply.
Instead, Trump’s new directive zeroes in on big cities, especially those run by Democrats. In his Truth Social post, he called for ICE to “expand efforts to detain and deport Illegal Aliens in America’s largest Cities, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, where Millions upon Millions of Illegal Aliens reside.” The stated goal is to increase daily ICE arrests to at least 3,000 per day, up from about 650 per day during the first five months of Trump’s second term.
Key points of the new policy:
- Urban Focus: ICE will prioritize raids and deportations in large Democratic-controlled cities.
- Economic Sectors Spared: Raids on farms, hotels, and restaurants have been halted or reduced to avoid harming key industries.
- Increased Enforcement: The number of daily arrests is set to rise sharply, with support from federal resources like the National Guard if needed.
According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, this shift is designed to maximize the political and practical impact of immigration enforcement while minimizing economic disruption in sectors that depend heavily on immigrant labor.
How ICE Raids Are Being Carried Out in Los Angeles and Other Cities
The new enforcement strategy involves careful planning and coordination between ICE, federal agencies, and sometimes local law enforcement. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
- White House Directive: ICE receives official orders to focus on specific cities, with clear arrest targets.
- Operational Planning: ICE works with other agencies to plan raids, identify targets, and allocate resources.
- Enforcement Actions: Raids are carried out in neighborhoods, workplaces, and sometimes public spaces. Individuals are detained, questioned, and processed.
- Post-Arrest Procedures: Those apprehended may be:
- Detained in ICE facilities
- Fitted with ankle monitors
- Given new court dates for immigration hearings
- Released with orders to report back to ICE
In some cases, as seen in Los Angeles, the National Guard has been deployed to support ICE operations and manage protests. During recent raids, hundreds of people were arrested, including some with violent criminal records.
For more information on ICE operations and procedures, visit the official ICE website.
Community Impact: Fear, Uncertainty, and Disruption
The stepped-up enforcement has caused widespread fear and anxiety in immigrant communities, especially in cities like Los Angeles. Many people report receiving notifications to check in at ICE facilities, while others have been fitted with ankle monitors or given new court dates. Families are worried about being separated, and some are afraid to leave their homes or go to work.
State Senator Graciela Guzman of Illinois described the mood in her community: “People are scared. They don’t know if they’ll be picked up on their way to work or while dropping their kids at school. Even those with pending immigration cases feel at risk.”
LA Mayor Karen Bass criticized the policy, warning that “entire sectors of our economy cannot function without immigrant labor.” She pointed out that targeting large numbers of workers in cities like Los Angeles could disrupt everything from construction to food service.
Civil rights groups have organized protests and legal challenges, arguing that the policy is discriminatory and excessive. On June 15, 2025, thousands joined “No Kings” demonstrations in cities across the country, including Los Angeles and Chicago, to protest ICE raids and President Trump’s immigration policies.
Economic Effects: Why Farms and Hotels Are No Longer Targeted
One of the most significant changes in the new policy is the decision to back off from raids on farms, meatpacking plants, hotels, and restaurants. Earlier in 2025, ICE had targeted these sectors, but the backlash was swift and strong. Business leaders warned that losing large numbers of workers could lead to food shortages, higher prices, and even business closures.
By shifting focus to urban centers, the administration hopes to avoid these economic problems. However, city leaders argue that the new policy simply moves the disruption from rural areas to urban ones, where many businesses also rely on immigrant labor.
Key economic implications:
- Labor Shortages Avoided in Key Sectors: By sparing farms and hospitality, the administration aims to keep food production and tourism running smoothly.
- Urban Businesses at Risk: Restaurants, construction companies, and service providers in cities like Los Angeles may still face labor shortages if large numbers of workers are detained or deported.
- Wider Economic Uncertainty: The threat of raids and deportations creates instability for workers, employers, and local economies.
Legal and Political Tensions: Federal vs. Local Authorities
The new ICE directive has sparked a wave of legal challenges and political conflict, especially in so-called “sanctuary cities” that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
- Democratic state attorneys general have filed lawsuits challenging the administration’s actions, especially the use of federal funding threats and military resources in domestic law enforcement.
- City leaders in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York have vowed to resist what they see as federal overreach, arguing that local police should not be forced to act as immigration agents.
- Legal experts warn that the use of the National Guard in domestic law enforcement raises serious constitutional questions.
These battles are likely to intensify as ICE operations ramp up and more cities push back against federal directives.
Stakeholder Perspectives: Supporters and Critics
The debate over President Trump’s immigration policy is fierce and deeply divided. Here’s how different groups are responding:
Supporters (Trump Administration and Allies):
– Argue that mass deportations are necessary to enforce immigration laws and protect public safety.
– Emphasize the removal of individuals with criminal records.
– Claim that focusing on big cities will have the greatest impact.
Democratic City and State Leaders:
– Oppose the policy, citing economic harm and humanitarian concerns.
– Warn that the policy separates families and disrupts communities.
– Argue that local economies depend on immigrant labor.
Immigrant Communities:
– Report increased fear, uncertainty, and disruptions to daily life.
– Worry about family separation and loss of income.
– Some individuals with pending immigration cases feel especially vulnerable.
Business and Agricultural Sectors:
– Welcome the pause in raids on farms and hotels.
– Warn that any return to targeting these industries could cause severe labor shortages.
Civil Rights Groups:
– Organize protests and legal challenges.
– Denounce the policy as discriminatory and excessive.
Historical Context: How We Got Here
President Trump’s approach to immigration enforcement is not new, but the scale and focus have shifted over time.
- First Term (2017-2021): Aggressive enforcement, including family separations and attempts to end DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).
- 2024 Campaign: Trump promised the “largest mass deportation operation in history.”
- Early 2025: ICE averaged 650 arrests per day, with enforcement spread across various sectors.
- Spring 2025: Raids on farms, hotels, and restaurants led to backlash from business groups and some Republican lawmakers.
- June 2025: Focus shifted to Democratic-run urban centers, with a stated goal of 3,000 arrests per day and the deployment of federal resources to support ICE operations.
This history helps explain both the current policy and the strong reactions it has provoked.
What Happens Next? Future Outlook
The situation remains highly dynamic, with several possible developments on the horizon:
- Legal Battles: Lawsuits from Democratic states and cities are expected to continue, especially over federal funding threats and the use of military resources.
- Increased ICE Operations: Raids and deportations in major cities are likely to become more frequent and larger in scale.
- Ongoing Protests: Civil rights groups and immigrant advocates are expected to keep organizing demonstrations and legal challenges.
- Possible Policy Adjustments: If economic or political backlash grows, especially from business sectors or moderate lawmakers, the administration may adjust its approach.
Practical Guidance for Immigrants and Families
If you or someone you know may be affected by these changes, here are some steps to consider:
- Know Your Rights: Everyone in the United States 🇺🇸 has certain rights, regardless of immigration status. You do not have to open your door to ICE without a warrant signed by a judge.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from trusted sources, such as the ICE official website and local immigrant support organizations.
- Seek Legal Help: If you receive a notice to check in with ICE or are given a court date, contact a qualified immigration attorney. Organizations like the National Immigration Law Center (nilc.org) and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (aila.org) can help connect you with resources.
- Prepare a Family Plan: Make arrangements for children, finances, and emergency contacts in case of detention or deportation.
- Document Everything: Keep copies of important documents and records of any interactions with ICE or law enforcement.
Official Resources and Contact Information
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423)
- ICE Official Website: ice.gov
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): uscis.gov
- Legal Aid and Immigrant Support: National Immigration Law Center (nilc.org), American Immigration Lawyers Association (aila.org)
Conclusion: A Nation at a Crossroads
President Donald Trump’s order to ICE to focus on mass deportations in major Democratic-run cities like Los Angeles marks a turning point in U.S. immigration policy. The administration’s goal of 3,000 arrests per day represents a dramatic escalation, with far-reaching effects on immigrant communities, city governments, and the national economy. While the pause in raids on farms and hotels may calm some business leaders, the increased focus on urban centers has sparked protests, legal challenges, and deep uncertainty for millions of people.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the coming weeks and months will likely see more raids, more court battles, and continued debate over the future of immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸. For those affected, staying informed, knowing your rights, and seeking legal support are more important than ever. The story is still unfolding, and its outcome will shape the lives of countless families and the direction of the country for years to come.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. agency enforcing immigration laws, responsible for detaining and deporting undocumented immigrants.
Mass Deportation Program → A large-scale operation aimed at detaining and deporting thousands of undocumented immigrants daily.
National Guard → State-based military forces sometimes deployed to support federal immigration enforcement during protests.
Sanctuary Cities → Cities limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities to protect undocumented immigrants.
Ankle Monitor → Electronic device fitted to detainees to track their location during immigration proceedings.
This Article in a Nutshell
President Trump’s 2025 directive directs ICE to triple daily arrests in major Democratic cities. The policy avoids farms and hotels, but escalates urban deportations, causing widespread fear and protests while raising legal and economic concerns across immigrant communities and businesses.
— By VisaVerge.com
