During Donald Trump’s first month back in office, U.S. immigration authorities arrested more than 20,000 undocumented individuals with criminal records, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Among them, 22 were identified as suspected terrorists, while 640 were believed to be gang members. The administration has been aggressively enforcing immigration laws, with officials claiming that arrests could more than double the 113,000 total recorded in fiscal year 2024 under President Biden.
The White House praised the rapid increase in arrests, with spokesman Kush Desai stating, “The Trump administration has re-established a no-nonsense enforcement of and respect for the immigration laws of the United States.” He emphasized that “hundreds of violent, predatory, and gang-affiliated criminal illegal aliens have already been rounded up and deported.” ICE initially reported daily breakdowns of arrest numbers but has since stopped providing specific crime-related data.
Despite the surge in arrests, Trump is reportedly frustrated with the pace of deportations. According to NBC News, he has expressed “anger” over the delays, believing that the process should be moving faster. Sources claim this dissatisfaction led to the reassignment of acting ICE Director Caleb Vitello, with a new leader expected to push deportations even further.
The administration remains committed to its crackdown, with officials indicating that more raids and removals will continue. The shift in immigration enforcement marks a stark contrast from Biden’s approach, with Trump making good on his campaign promise to tighten border security and increase deportations.
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