Trump Orders Expansion of Migrant Deportations Amid Ongoing Protests

U.S. President Donald Trump has directed federal agencies to intensify efforts to detain and deport undocumented migrants, calling for what he described as “the single largest mass deportation programme in history.”

In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump urged agencies to use “every resource possible” to execute the expanded operations, singling out cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York as key targets. These cities have seen widespread protests since June 6 against immigration raids and broader government crackdowns.

The president’s directive comes amid mounting criticism and legal challenges over his handling of the protests, particularly regarding the deployment of military personnel to disperse demonstrators.

“You have my unwavering support. Now go, get the job done,” Trump wrote, addressing agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). He also vowed to block entry into the U.S. for anyone seen as threatening the country’s “domestic tranquility.”

The announcement followed a nationwide wave of protests led by the “No Kings” movement, which held demonstrations in multiple cities on June 14. The protests coincided with a military parade in Washington, D.C., marking 250 years of the U.S. Army and Trump’s 79th birthday. A shooting at a march in Salt Lake City, Utah, left one person dead.

Trump also instructed immigration authorities to prioritize enforcement in so-called “sanctuary cities,” which limit cooperation with federal immigration agents. These jurisdictions have remained firm in their stance to protect undocumented residents, citing legal grounds.

The order reaffirms a central promise from Trump’s campaign: to implement the largest deportation of undocumented migrants in U.S. history, focusing on individuals with criminal records. While polls ahead of the 2024 election showed strong support for stricter immigration policies, the scale of the ongoing protests suggests growing public concern.

Interestingly, this latest move comes just one day after the Trump administration reportedly paused immigration raids on farms, hotels, restaurants, and meatpacking facilities, according to Reuters.