Trump Orders Deportation Focus on Democratic Cities, Pauses Worksite Enforcement

President Trump instructed federal immigration officials to prioritize deportations from cities governed by Democrats. This directive followed significant protests in Los Angeles and other major cities against the administration's immigration policies.

In a social media post, the president urged U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials to focus on a "Mass Deportation Program." He stated that to achieve this goal, efforts should be expanded to detain and deport undocumented immigrants in major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.

The president claimed these cities are centers of Democratic power, where undocumented immigrants are allegedly used to expand the voter base, influence elections, and increase the welfare state, thereby taking jobs and benefits from American citizens.

This announcement followed increased enforcement efforts and a statement from a White House official that ICE would aim for at least 3,000 arrests daily, a significant increase from the previous rate.

Simultaneously, the Trump administration directed ICE to halt arrests at farms, restaurants, and hotels. This decision was made due to concerns that the crackdown on illegal immigration was negatively impacting key industries. The pause on worksite enforcement applies to industries that heavily rely on immigrant labor.

The president had previously indicated on social media that he had heard from industries that his immigration policies were removing valuable workers, and promised adjustments.

The president's immigration policies faced opposition, with protests taking place as he held a large parade in Washington.

The president's call for increased enforcement in Democratic cities was made while he was en route to the Group of Seven economic summit in Canada. His schedule included a meeting with the Canadian Prime Minister.