Trump Administration Scales Back Immigration Raids, Citing Presidential Directive

The Trump administration has issued a directive to immigration officials, effectively pausing a significant portion of planned raids targeting specific sectors of the economy. This internal communication, reviewed by reporters and confirmed by senior officials and individuals familiar with the matter, outlines a shift in enforcement strategy. The affected businesses include farms, hotels, restaurants, and meatpacking plants, indicating a targeted reduction in ICE operations within these industries.

The impetus for this scaling back of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids came directly from President Trump himself. This decision represents a notable change in direction, particularly when contrasted with the earlier stance of the White House. The order appears to counteract a late-May request from Stephen Miller, a key advisor to the President, who had reportedly pushed for a more aggressive approach to immigration enforcement, including a broader scope of raids.

Sources close to the situation suggest that President Trump was initially unaware of the full extent and nature of the planned enforcement push. Upon being briefed on the details of the proposed operations, the President reportedly expressed concern and subsequently intervened. This intervention resulted in the directive to scale back the planned raids, reflecting a shift in the administration's approach to immigration enforcement within these specific business sectors. The decision underscores the President's direct involvement in shaping immigration policy and his ability to alter enforcement strategies based on his understanding of the situation.