New Delhi: Days after Donald Trump returned to the White House, the Trump administration has arrested 538 illegal migrants and deported hundreds more in a massive operation, according to press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Leavitt in her X post announced that 538 illegal immigrant criminals were arrested, including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several people convicted of sex crimes against minors in the US. “The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors.”
🚨TODAY: The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors.
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 24, 2025
She declared the operation “the largest massive deportation operation in history” and affirmed, “Promises made. Promises kept” saying that the illegal immigrants had been deported via military aircraft.
“The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept,” she said in her other post on X.
Meanwhile, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed the arrests and reported 373 detainers lodged against criminal non-citizens. These actions follow executive orders signed by Trump on his first day back in office to strengthen border security and streamline deportations.
Raids even extended to Newark, New Jersey, a sanctuary city, leading to the detention of both undocumented immigrants and legal residents. Mayor Ras Baraka condemned the raids, stating, “Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorised.”
Among the executive orders, Trump revoked a policy restricting ICE arrests in sensitive locations like schools and hospitals. He framed illegal immigration as an “invasion” and authorised military personnel to act as immigration and border enforcement officers. Trump also suspended the US Refugee Admission Program.