In a sweeping operation just days after Donald Trump assumed office, US authorities have ramped up efforts to crack down on illegal immigration, resulting in the arrest and deportation of hundreds of migrants. The move underscores the new administration’s commitment to its campaign promise of securing the nation’s borders.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt disclosed the figures, revealing that 538 illegal migrants had been apprehended, with hundreds deported via military aircraft.
“The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors,” Ms Leavitt stated in an online post on Thursday. “Trump Administration also deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft. The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept,” she added.
The administration shared a glimpse of its ongoing efforts to secure US borders, detailing some of the crimes committed by those detained. These included rape, sexual conduct with a child, and continuous sexual abuse of a child aged 14 or younger. The names of some of the individuals arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement were also listed.
The intensified immigration crackdown follows President Trump’s signing of several executive orders, including one titled “Protecting the American people against invasion,” which was issued on 20 January, the day of his inauguration. The order highlights what it describes as an unprecedented influx of illegal immigration over the past four years.
“Millions of illegal aliens crossed our borders or were permitted to fly directly into the United States on commercial flights and allowed to settle in American communities, in violation of longstanding Federal laws,” the order states. It further asserts that many of these individuals pose significant threats to national security and public safety, accusing them of committing egregious crimes against innocent Americans.
In a related development, the US Congress on 23 January approved the GOP-led Laken Riley Act. The legislation facilitates the detention and deportation of undocumented migrants who enter the country without authorization and are charged with certain crimes.
NDTV
Leave a Reply