U.S. Immigration Enforcement Intensifies as Policy Shifts Reclassify Over One Million

U.S. immigration enforcement has sharply intensified following a series of executive actions and policy changes by the current administration, leading to a surge in arrests and deportations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to multiple sources, more than one million individuals—many of whom previously held legal status under programs such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)—are now being reclassified as undocumented, making them subject to removal proceedings.

The policy overhaul is part of a broader strategy to enhance border security and prioritize the deportation of individuals with criminal records. A recent executive order, “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” cited national security and public safety concerns as justification for the increased enforcement, stating that millions of undocumented immigrants pose risks ranging from criminal activity to economic harm. The administration has also moved to rescind protections for specific groups, including the termination of TPS for several nationalities, and is seeking congressional support to repeal all TPS designations, potentially affecting nearly 700,000 immigrants.

In Baltimore, ICE agents detained five individuals near a home improvement store after receiving a tip, underscoring the agency’s more aggressive tactics. These actions are being mirrored nationwide, with states like Georgia and Florida advancing legislation to require local law enforcement cooperation with ICE and expanding the 287(g) program, which deputizes state and local officers to enforce federal immigration laws. As of June 27, 2025, ICE has signed 737 agreements with law enforcement agencies in 40 states, dramatically increasing the reach of federal immigration enforcement.

Legislative efforts are also underway to restrict access to public benefits such as Medicaid for undocumented immigrants, with proponents arguing these measures are necessary for fiscal responsibility and national security. Critics, however, warn that such policies undermine constitutional protections and due process. Legal advocacy groups are distributing “red cards” to inform immigrants of their rights during encounters with authorities, and warn that the expansion of expedited removal nationwide—allowing for rapid deportations without judicial review—raises the risk of wrongful removals and family separations.

The debate remains deeply polarized. Supporters of the new policies praise the administration’s focus on enforcement and public safety, while opponents argue that the measures are punitive, discriminatory, and threaten the fabric of immigrant communities across the country.