US Executes Largest Mass Deportation Operation, Detaining 538 Migrants
In a sweeping immigration enforcement move, U.S. authorities arrested 538 migrants and deported hundreds as part of a mass deportation operation initiated within days of President Donald Trump’s second term. The operation was confirmed by Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, who announced the arrests on the social platform X, stating that “hundreds” had already been deported via military aircraft.
Leavitt described the action as “the largest mass deportation operation in history,” emphasizing the administration’s commitment to fulfilling Trump’s campaign promises to crack down on illegal immigration.
During his re-election campaign, Trump vowed to overhaul immigration enforcement, and his second term has begun with several executive orders aimed at tightening border security and expediting deportations. On his first day back in office, Trump declared a “national emergency” at the southern border, announced the deployment of additional troops, and reinstated policies such as the controversial “Remain in Mexico” program. This policy requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their applications are processed.
Criticism arose following reports of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in Newark, New Jersey, where agents allegedly detained undocumented residents and citizens without warrants. Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka condemned the operation, noting that one of those detained was a U.S. military veteran. Baraka called the act a “clear violation” of constitutional rights.
ICE confirmed the operation on X, reporting 538 arrests and 373 detainer requests issued. Democratic Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim from New Jersey expressed concern over the Newark raid, stating it instills fear in communities and highlights the need for meaningful immigration reform rather than fear-based tactics.
The Trump administration’s actions have also drawn backlash for halting asylum programs for those fleeing authoritarian regimes in Central and South America, leaving thousands stranded on Mexico’s side of the border. Meanwhile, Congress, now controlled by Republicans, recently passed legislation expanding pretrial detention for foreign criminal suspects.
Trump’s rhetoric surrounding immigration has drawn further controversy, with critics accusing him of invoking language reminiscent of historical authoritarian regimes. Despite this, his administration has doubled down on its promises to carry out what it calls the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, targeting an estimated 11 million undocumented migrants in the country.
