Key Takeaways
• President Trump orders ICE to increase daily arrests to 3,000 nationwide, focusing on Democratic-run cities.
• $45 billion detention contract signed in April 2025 to expand facilities with reduced care standards.
• Federal funding withheld from sanctuary cities, including $188 million cuts to New York City migrant services.
President Donald Trump Orders Major ICE Expansion in New York City and Other Democratic-Run Cities
On June 15, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a sweeping new order for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to dramatically increase deportation operations in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and other cities led by Democratic officials. This move follows a weekend of large, mostly peaceful protests against ICE and mass deportations, including the “No Kings” demonstrations that drew tens of thousands of people to the streets of New York City and other major urban areas.
What’s Happening and Why?
President Trump’s directive, shared on Truth Social, calls for what he describes as “the single largest Mass Deportation Program in History.” The order comes after months of rising tension between the federal government and local leaders in cities that have declared themselves “sanctuary cities.” These cities, including New York City, have policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, especially for civil immigration matters.
The Trump administration says the new policy is needed to enforce immigration laws and address what it calls a crisis of undocumented immigration in the United States 🇺🇸. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, the administration is focusing on cities with large undocumented populations, arguing that these areas have become “safe havens” for people who entered or stayed in the country without legal permission.
How Will ICE Operations Change?
ICE has been ordered to increase its daily arrest target to 3,000 people nationwide, a huge jump from the previous average of 650 arrests per day during the first five months of President Trump’s second term. This means ICE will be making nearly five times as many arrests each day, with a special focus on urban centers like New York City.
Key changes include:
- Mass deportations prioritized in Democratic-run cities, especially New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
- ICE raids paused at farms, restaurants, and hotels after business leaders raised concerns about the impact on key industries. For now, enforcement is focused on urban areas.
- A $45 billion emergency detention contract was issued in April 2025 to expand detention capacity quickly, with looser standards than before.
- Federal funding withheld from sanctuary cities, including the cancellation of $188 million in grants to New York City for migrant sheltering.
Recent Numbers and Enforcement Actions
- 66,463 ICE arrests and 65,682 removals were reported in the first 100 days of Trump’s second term.
- The new daily arrest target is 3,000, up from 650.
- In April 2025, over 200 undocumented immigrants were arrested in and around New York City during a focused operation.
- Tens of thousands protested in New York and New Jersey over the weekend, with 14 people arrested in New York City demonstrations.
- The new ICE detention contract is worth $45 billion over two years, compared to a previous annual budget of $3.4 billion.
Who Is Affected and How?
Undocumented Immigrants
- Increased risk of arrest and deportation, especially in targeted cities like New York City.
- Legal pathways that previously allowed some migrants to stay, such as the parole program and the CBP One app, have been ended. People who used these programs are now being told to leave the United States 🇺🇸 immediately or face a permanent ban on returning.
- Some undocumented immigrants are being offered $1,000 to leave voluntarily. If they refuse, they risk being permanently barred from reentering the country.
Cities and Local Governments
- Loss of federal funding for sanctuary policies, including the cancellation of major grants for migrant services in New York City.
- Increased tension between local and federal authorities. New York City officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, have stated they will not cooperate with ICE on civil immigration enforcement but will work with federal agents on criminal matters.
- Ongoing communication between city officials and federal authorities to clarify the scope of ICE operations.
Businesses
- Temporary pause on ICE raids at farms, restaurants, and hotels. This came after business leaders warned about the risk of labor shortages and economic disruption if aggressive enforcement continued in these sectors.
Detention Facilities
- Rapid expansion of detention capacity under the new $45 billion contract. The standards for detainee care are lower than before, raising concerns among advocacy groups.
- Increased use of deportation flights, with plans for further escalation as more funding and facilities become available.
What Are the Main Concerns and Reactions?
Trump Administration
President Trump and his team say the policy is needed for national security and law enforcement. Stephen Miller, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff and main architect of the policy, confirmed the new daily arrest target and said the administration is determined to enforce immigration laws more strictly than ever before.
Local Officials
Mayor Eric Adams of New York City has made it clear that the city will not help ICE with civil immigration enforcement. He has urged residents not to live in fear and said the city will continue to communicate with federal authorities to protect public safety. NYPD leaders have also been in talks with federal officials to clarify how ICE operations will be carried out in the city.
Immigrant Advocates
Many advocacy groups and legal organizations have condemned the mass deportation plan. They argue that the policy is inhumane and destabilizing, especially for people who entered the country legally under previous programs but are now being told to leave. There are also concerns about the welfare of detainees, given the rapid expansion of detention facilities and reduced oversight.
Business Community
Business leaders have expressed concern about the economic impact of aggressive deportation. Their lobbying led to the temporary pause of ICE raids in key industries like agriculture, hospitality, and restaurants.
Legal and Political Challenges
- Resource Constraints: Experts point out that ICE does not have enough personnel to meet the goal of one million deportations per year, even with more funding and contracts.
- Legal Battles: Several lawsuits have been filed by Democratic attorneys general challenging the administration’s actions, especially the withholding of federal funds and the deployment of federal troops.
- Human Rights Concerns: The expansion of detention with lower standards has raised alarms about the treatment of detainees.
- Economic Impact: The business community’s concerns have already led to some changes in enforcement priorities.
Step-by-Step Guidance for Affected Individuals
If you or someone you know may be affected by these new ICE operations, here are some important steps to consider:
- If Detained by ICE
- You may be taken to one of the new or expanded detention facilities.
- Seek legal counsel immediately. Local advocacy groups and legal aid organizations can help.
- The Legal Aid Society of New York City and the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs are good places to start.
- If You Used CBP One or Other Legal Pathways
- If you were admitted under the CBP One app or a parole program, you must leave the United States 🇺🇸 immediately or risk a permanent ban on returning.
- For more information on legal status and removal procedures, visit the ICE official website.
- Voluntary Departure
- Some undocumented immigrants are being offered $1,000 to leave the country voluntarily. Accepting this offer may help avoid a permanent reentry ban.
- If You Live in a Sanctuary City
- Local police in cities like New York City may not cooperate with ICE on civil immigration enforcement, but federal agents can still act on their own.
- Stay informed about your rights and seek help from local organizations if needed.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
Immigration enforcement has been a central focus of President Trump’s second term. Since taking office again, he has issued a series of executive actions rolling back policies from the previous administration, including programs that allowed certain migrants to stay in the country legally.
The tension between federal immigration authorities and local governments is not new. Sanctuary cities like New York City have long resisted federal demands to help with civil immigration enforcement, arguing that doing so would harm community trust and public safety.
Legal and political battles over federal funding, sanctuary policies, and the scope of federal authority in immigration enforcement have been ongoing for years. The current wave of protests and legal challenges is the latest chapter in this struggle.
What’s Next?
- Further Expansion: ICE is expected to keep increasing operations as new detention centers open and more funding becomes available.
- More Protests: Demonstrations are planned in New York City and other cities in the coming days.
- Legal Uncertainty: Court cases may affect the administration’s ability to withhold funds or deploy federal troops in sanctuary cities.
- Possible Policy Changes: Feedback from business leaders and local officials could lead to more selective enforcement or changes in procedures.
Summary Table: Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Trump’s Order | June 15, 2025 |
| Targeted Cities | New York, Los Angeles, Chicago (Democratic-run cities) |
| New ICE Arrest Target | 3,000 per day (up from 650) |
| Recent NYC Arrests | 200+ in April 2025 |
| Detention Contract Value | $45 billion over two years |
| Federal Funding Withheld | $188 million from NYC for migrant sheltering |
| Legal Pathways Ended | Parole program (500,000+ affected), CBP One app recipients ordered to self-deport |
| Local Cooperation | NYC refuses civil enforcement cooperation, will assist on criminal matters only |
| Protests | Tens of thousands in NYC, 14 arrests; more protests planned |
| National Guard Deployment | Deployed in Los Angeles, not in NYC |
Where to Get Help and More Information
If you are affected by these changes or want to know more, here are some resources:
- ICE Official Website: For the latest updates on enforcement actions, detention, and removal procedures.
- NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs: For local support and information about your rights in New York City.
- Legal Aid Society (NYC): Legal help for immigrants in New York City.
- National Immigration Law Center: National advocacy and legal support for immigrants.
Practical Takeaways
- Stay informed: Follow official sources and local organizations for updates.
- Know your rights: If you are approached by ICE, you have the right to remain silent and to seek legal help.
- Seek help early: Contact legal aid or advocacy groups as soon as possible if you or someone you know is at risk.
- Monitor policy changes: The situation is changing quickly, and new policies or court decisions could affect enforcement.
For more details on how ICE operates and your rights during enforcement actions, visit the ICE official website.
Conclusion
President Donald Trump’s order to expand ICE operations in New York City and other Democratic-run cities marks a major shift in U.S. immigration policy. With daily arrest targets rising sharply, legal pathways closing, and federal-local tensions growing, the coming months will be critical for undocumented immigrants, city officials, businesses, and advocacy groups. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation remains fluid, with legal, political, and human impacts unfolding in real time. Staying informed and seeking help from trusted organizations is more important than ever for those affected by these changes.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency enforcing immigration laws and deportations nationwide.
Sanctuary city → A city limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants.
Detention contract → Government agreement funding immigration detention centers, expanding capacity and operational standards.
Mass deportation → Large-scale removal of undocumented immigrants coordinated by immigration authorities.
Parole program → Temporary legal permission for some migrants to stay in the U.S. under specific conditions.
This Article in a Nutshell
President Trump announced major ICE expansion targeting New York City and other sanctuary cities, raising arrest goals, ending legal pathways, and pausing raids in key industries, sparking protests and legal pushback amid rising tensions between federal and local authorities.
— By VisaVerge.com
