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U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered federal immigration authorities to embark on what he describes as the “single largest mass deportation programme in history”, intensifying his hard-line immigration stance ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
In a statement released on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump instructed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other relevant agencies to mobilise “every resource possible” to carry out sweeping deportations, with a particular focus on Democratic-led cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.
Cry more. The illegals are going home. Trump announced the deportations are about to INCREASE in blue cities especially. Enjoy! pic.twitter.com/aoS5mg0Qgl
— pnw Bae 🌲 🌙 (@RaquelWelchh) June 16, 2025
“ICE and our federal agents must act with full force,” Trump wrote. “We are launching the biggest deportation operation ever seen. The American people deserve safety, security, and sovereignty.”
Backlash and Deployment of Troops
The announcement sparked widespread protests across multiple U.S. cities, particularly in California. Tensions escalated in Los Angeles after Trump authorised the deployment of National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to enforce immigration laws, a move California Governor Gavin Newsom denounced as federal overreach.
“This is nothing short of an authoritarian move that threatens civil liberties and disregards human dignity,” Governor Newsom said during a press briefing on Sunday. “California will not be complicit in mass raids that tear families apart.”
Reuters reports that federal troops have been positioned in key urban areas in what critics say is an effort to intimidate communities with large immigrant populations.
Industry Pushback Prompts Exemptions
Trump’s directive initially drew criticism from leaders in agriculture and hospitality, sectors that rely heavily on undocumented labour. In response, Trump appeared to soften his stance slightly by proposing exemptions for workers in those industries.
“Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long-time workers away from them,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Those jobs are almost impossible to replace.”
According to Reuters, the change followed a direct call from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who reportedly warned Trump of growing concern among farm owners.
Also Read: Trump Suspends Student Visa Appointments Ahead of Stricter Social Media Screening
Divided Public Opinion
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll highlights a divided American electorate. Approximately 52% of respondents support increased deportation efforts, while 41% oppose the use of military force in immigration enforcement. The poll also found that 49% believe Trump’s actions risk undermining democratic norms.
Civil rights groups and immigration advocates have vowed to challenge the policy in court. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) called the move “a blatant attempt to criminalise immigrants and silence opposition.”
Political Ramifications
Analysts say Trump’s strategy is aimed at energising his base ahead of the 2026 midterms, but warn it could further deepen divisions in an already polarised political climate.
“Mass deportations may rally supporters, but they could also galvanise opposition and raise serious human rights concerns,” said Dr. Elaine Rodriguez, a political analyst at Georgetown University. “The optics of military-enforced immigration raids are reminiscent of darker chapters in history.”
As protests continue across the country, ICE is reportedly preparing for an expanded nationwide operation, though the timeline for its execution has not been publicly disclosed.
