The White House is intensifying its focus on President Trump’s key campaign pledge by ramping up efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, particularly in Democrat-led cities, sparking tensions with liberal governors nationwide. Following the recent “No Kings” protests drawing millions against Trump’s immigration policies, including aggressive ICE detentions, clashes erupted in Los Angeles, leading to disruptions and violence. Despite peaceful intentions, the protests escalated, prompting Trump to deploy National Guard troops in California over objections from Governor Gavin Newsom.

Trump’s administration has invoked wartime powers to combat what they term as an invasion facilitated by previous immigration policies. The president aims to expand detention facilities, increase deportation flights, and complete the U.S.-Mexico border wall. However, immigrant-rights advocates are reporting heightened enforcement actions affecting individuals with no criminal backgrounds, including seemingly arbitrary detentions of various workers.

While polls indicate majority voter support for Trump’s border security measures, critics accuse him of inciting chaos with ICE raids to justify more stringent actions. As resistance to Trump’s immigration enforcement spreads nationwide, communities are mobilizing to protect at-risk individuals, with some officials expressing concerns over eroding trust between law enforcement and immigrant populations. Immigrant rights experts warn that Trump’s aggressive approach may bypass due process and target non-criminal individuals, potentially undermining public support. The ACLU and advocacy groups emphasize the need for checks and balances to prevent further escalation of what they view as authoritarian tactics.