The Trump administration has recently intensified its immigration enforcement efforts, implementing a series of operations aimed at detaining and deporting individuals residing in the United States without legal authorization. These measures have been executed through coordinated raids and the establishment of new detention protocols.
In late April 2025, several hundred immigrants were charged with entering newly designated militarized zones along the U.S.-Mexico border in New Mexico and western Texas. The administration transferred control of these areas to the military, authorizing troops to temporarily detain individuals, while arrests remain under the jurisdiction of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. These “National Defense Areas” are managed by military commands at Fort Bliss in Texas and Fort Huachuca in Arizona. Immigrants entering these zones now face additional national security charges, potentially extending prison sentences by 18 months. Approximately 400 cases have been filed in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with defense attorneys requesting dismissals and questioning the standard of proof required for these new charges. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison stated that immigrant entry into these zones is deliberate, citing extensive signage in both Spanish and English. Civil rights groups and Senator Martin Heinrich have raised concerns over the militarization of previously public lands, warning of threats to civil liberties and local residents’ access. The Justice Department emphasizes that these military areas are essential for national security. Overall, the measures reflect the administration’s intensified immigration enforcement strategy and efforts to expedite deportations. (apnews.com)
In addition to border operations, the administration has expanded its focus to include migrant families and unaccompanied children. U.S. immigration agents are planning a new operation to arrest migrant families with children as part of a nationwide crackdown. The operation will target adults and minor children who entered the country together and have orders of deportation. After the families are arrested, agents will place them into detention before they are removed. A separate operation to find children who entered the United States unaccompanied and were released without court dates is also underway. The sources said lawyers at Immigration and Customs Enforcement are now working to secure warrants to enter homes and conduct the arrests. (nbclosangeles.com)
The administration has also proposed utilizing the Guantanamo Migrant Operations Center (GMOC) to detain certain individuals. The migrant facility will be run by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This decision came shortly after President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act, which requires “undocumented immigrants who are arrested for theft or violent crimes to be held in jail pending trial.” President Trump stated that some migrants who would be refused deportation by their countries would be held at GMOC indefinitely: “Some of them are so bad we don’t even trust the countries to hold them because we don’t want them coming back, so we’re going to send them out to Guantanamo.” The executive memorandum did not specify a number of migrants to be detained at the facility but called for “additional detention space.” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that Congress would allot money for the facility through “reconciliation and appropriations.” (en.wikipedia.org)
These enforcement actions have led to a significant increase in arrests. More than 3,500 undocumented migrants have been arrested since President Trump returned to the White House, including just over 1,000 on Tuesday, 969 on Monday, and 1,179 on Sunday, according to daily statistics published by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). By comparison, an average of 310 arrests were made during the 2024 fiscal year under the previous administration. Immigration officials have described these raids as “targeted enforcement operations” that have resulted in the arrest of violent gang members and dangerous suspects, and have deputized agents from other federal law enforcement agencies to help step up arrests. (bbc.com)
The administration’s approach has also included legal actions against individuals accused of obstructing immigration enforcement. Wisconsin Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of concealing an undocumented immigrant and obstructing proceedings. The charges stem from allegations that she assisted the individual in evading arrest. A federal grand jury indicted her on these charges, and her trial has been scheduled to begin on July 21, following a hearing on July 9. As a result of the indictment, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has temporarily suspended Judge Dugan from her official duties, citing public interest. The Trump administration has framed the case as a warning to other judges who might oppose its strict immigration enforcement policies, highlighting ongoing tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary. Supporters of Dugan, including Wisconsin State Senator Chris Larson, argue the case reflects political motivations and decry it as “trial by social media.” This development is part of a broader pattern whereby courts have challenged the administration’s immigration measures, including rulings to prevent deportations and correct wrongful actions. (axios.com)
The administration’s policies have also led to the deportation of individuals to countries with questionable human rights records. In March 2025, the United States deported 137 Venezuelans to El Salvador, where they were immediately and indefinitely imprisoned without trial at the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), a prison with human rights concerns. They were detained as part of an agreement to jail U.S. deportees there in exchange for money. Many deportees have no criminal charges, records, nor convictions in either country. The administration alleges that the deportees are gang members, but often without solid evidence, leading to the deportation and imprisonment of innocent individuals without any fixed term. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the migrants sent to CECOT should remain there “for the rest of their lives,” highlighting collaboration with Salvadoran authorities to expand the prison’s capacity. However, human rights organizations have reported that many of the deportees have no criminal records and were identified as gang members solely based on tattoos. Additionally, it was reported that the migrants are being held incommunicado, with no access to their families or lawyers, and that neither the U.S. nor Salvadoran governments have provided complete lists of the detainees or information about their current status. These actions have raised concerns about potential violations of international human rights law. (en.wikipedia.org)
The administration’s intensified immigration enforcement efforts have been met with both support and criticism. While proponents argue that these measures are necessary to uphold the rule of law and protect national security, critics contend that they may infringe upon civil liberties and human rights. As the administration continues to implement these policies, the long-term implications for communities across the United States remain to be seen. It is anticipated that with time, additional staff, and increased oversight, the system will adapt to these changes, though this may result in a larger government presence and expanded bureaucratic processes.
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Lisa Grant reports on immigration enforcement, border operations, and national security protocols. She studied political science at Arizona State University and previously worked as a legislative staffer on immigration reform. Her reporting brings a field-level understanding of border policy and how it is applied in communities across the Southwest.