Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Immigration Intensifies, Protests and Legal Battles Erupt

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. government has dramatically escalated its campaign against illegal immigration, launching sweeping enforcement operations that have led to mass arrests, widespread protests, and mounting legal challenges across the country.

Federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol, have conducted high-profile raids in major cities such as Los Angeles and Hollywood, California. These actions resulted in the apprehension of dozens of undocumented immigrants, with a notable operation at a Louisiana racetrack leading to the arrest of 84 individuals—some with prior convictions for aggravated assault and drug trafficking. In Southeast Texas, another raid saw three people detained on suspicion of possessing child sexual abuse materials.

The crackdown is part of the Trump administration’s largest immigration enforcement operation to date, known as "Operation At Large." The initiative involves over 5,000 federal law enforcement officers and up to 21,000 National Guard troops, with ICE directed to detain 3,000 migrants daily. Senior officials reportedly face termination if their field offices do not meet arrest quotas, reflecting the administration’s push to prioritize immigration enforcement over other federal law enforcement duties.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Secretary Kristi Noem, has launched a multimillion-dollar ad campaign urging undocumented immigrants to self-deport or face severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and permanent removal. The campaign, broadcast in multiple languages, coincides with the rollout of a new DHS registry that requires undocumented individuals over age 14 to register and be fingerprinted, with criminal penalties for non-compliance.

The White House claims these efforts have led to a dramatic reduction in illegal border crossings, citing a 93% drop in so-called “gotaways” since January 2025 and a record low in illegal entries. President Trump has touted the deportation of more than 100,000 migrants since returning to office and the near-elimination of taxpayer-funded benefits for undocumented immigrants.

However, critics argue that the administration’s data is misleading, pointing to broader fluctuations in migration patterns and the disruptive impact of aggressive enforcement on communities and industries reliant on immigrant labor. In California and Nebraska, ICE has targeted agricultural and manufacturing worksites, detaining dozens of workers and sparking concerns among employers about labor shortages and the reliability of federal verification systems.

The crackdown has ignited widespread protests, particularly in Los Angeles, where mass demonstrations have continued for over a week. Clashes between protesters and law enforcement have resulted in curfews, the use of crowd control measures, and the arrest of public officials, including Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), who was handcuffed during a press conference after questioning DHS Secretary Noem about the raids. The deployment of thousands of National Guard troops to quell protests has been challenged by California officials, who argue it represents an “unlawful militarization” and a threat to state sovereignty. Legal disputes over the deployment and the federal government’s authority are ongoing in federal courts.

Meanwhile, the Justice Department has filed lawsuits against sanctuary cities like Los Angeles, accusing them of obstructing federal immigration enforcement. Local leaders and civil rights advocates have condemned the administration’s actions as overly harsh and a threat to democratic norms, while supporters argue the measures are necessary for public safety and border security.

As legal battles continue and protests spread, the administration remains firm in its commitment to aggressive immigration enforcement, promising further action in the coming months. The nation remains deeply divided over the scope and impact of these policies, with the debate intensifying in the run-up to the 2026 midterm elections.