President Donald Trump has urged Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to intensify deportation efforts in Democratic cities, advocating for mass deportations to be the largest in history. This directive was communicated via a social media post as Trump traveled to the G7 summit. ICE has been under pressure to meet White House arrest quotas, with the administration aiming for 3,000 immigration-related arrests daily. Despite public promotion of enforcement actions, officials have faced criticism for failing to reach this target. Trump also called for increased deportation efforts in Democrat strongholds like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, alleging that his political opponents are exploiting “Illegal Aliens” for electoral advantage and to expand the welfare state.

The administration’s hardline immigration stance has triggered protests across the country, including in Los Angeles, leading to the deployment of National Guard troops and Marines to address demonstrations against federal raids. These protests culminated in “No Kings” demonstrations nationwide. ICE’s enforcement operations, previously focused on public safety and national security threats, have now shifted to prioritize mass deportations, resulting in arrests during routine immigration checks, at immigration courts, and workplaces.

The crackdown on immigration has impacted industries heavily reliant on immigrant labor, such as farms and hotels, leading to a strain on workforce availability. Trump acknowledged concerns from farmers and the hospitality sector about losing experienced workers due to aggressive immigration policies. As ICE rushes to meet deportation targets, the administration faces growing opposition and scrutiny over the impact of its immigration agenda on various sectors.