Federal agents launched a massive crackdown on illegal migrants during President Trump’s first full day back in office. Led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the operation targeted sanctuary cities nationwide, resulting in over 300 arrests of illegal migrants with criminal records, according to the New York Post.
Cities like Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, and Denver saw ICE agents rounding up felons, including violent offenders and sex criminals. Kodir Mazhidov, a 22-year-old Tajik citizen, was detained in Philadelphia for violating release conditions. In Miami, six Guatemalans with lengthy rap sheets, including charges of battery and child abuse, were arrested as public safety threats.
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“ICE is doing their job,” said Border Czar Tom Homan on Fox News. He revealed that agents are focusing on migrants with serious criminal histories, calling it a renewed push to deport 700,000 illegal migrants. Homan assured the public, “We’re putting them back to work.”
Among those arrested were:
- Edward Marlon Rauda-Aldnada, a 56-year-old Salvadoran sex offender in Maryland.
- Jose Barco-Chirino, a Venezuelan convicted of attempted murder, detained in Colorado.
- Miguel Andres-Mateo, a 20-year-old Guatemalan with a DUI conviction, arrested near Atlanta.
Boston saw the capture of a Haitian gang member with 18 prior arrests. As he was taken away, he shouted, “F*** Trump, Biden forever!” Meanwhile, in Seattle, Mexican national Victorino Gaytan-Hernandez, convicted of sexual abuse of a minor, was arrested.
The operation reflects President Trump’s promise of sweeping immigration enforcement. Trump also ramped up military support at the southern border. On day one, he sent 1,500 additional troops, adding to the 2,200 already stationed there. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained, “This is something President Trump campaigned on. Homeland security is now a core mission.”
Despite resistance from sanctuary cities, Homan emphasized that ICE will keep pursuing criminals. “We’ll wait until they get out of jail, then we’ll go into the neighborhoods and get them,” he told the Post.
As part of a broader strategy, Trump signed an executive order prohibiting Border Patrol agents from releasing migrants into the country. Deportations are now prioritized, with Homeland Security stepping up enforcement at detention facilities and border crossings.
“This is just the beginning,” Homan said. The administration’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement sends a clear message: sanctuary cities will no longer shield criminal migrants.
Cited from the New York Post