By Since his return to office, President Donald Trump has swiftly enacted major immigration policies, reinforcing the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in enforcing stricter immigration laws. Through executive orders, expanded enforcement powers, and large-scale arrests, the administration is taking a hardline stance on immigration.
Table of Contents
Executive Orders and Policy Shifts
On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed a series of executive orders significantly impacting immigration policies. These measures included a ban on refugee entry into the U.S. and new restrictions preventing migrants from applying for asylum at the border. The following day, the Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rescinded the Biden administration’s policy that had limited immigration enforcement near sensitive locations such as schools and churches. This move has reignited debates about the humanitarian impact of immigration enforcement in community spaces.
Expansion of Expedited Removal
A significant policy shift under the Trump administration is the expansion of expedited removal procedures. As of January 21, 2025, ICE has been granted broader authority to deport individuals who cannot prove at least two years of continuous U.S. residency. This policy overturns a previous Biden-era directive and raises legal concerns. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has already filed a lawsuit, citing potential violations of the Fifth Amendment, the Immigration and Nationality Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act.
Increased ICE Enforcement Operations
The Trump administration has prioritized aggressive immigration enforcement through ICE, leading to a surge in arrests. As of January 2025, ICE has reported over 5,500 arrests since January 23, averaging nearly 800 arrests per day. These figures reflect a sharp increase compared to fiscal year 2024, when ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations division conducted approximately 113,000 administrative arrests, averaging 310 per day. The administration has set a goal for each of ICE’s 25 field offices to make at least 75 arrests per day, marking a significant escalation in enforcement efforts.
ICE Raids and Expanded Enforcement Powers
ICE has intensified raids and enforcement actions across major U.S. cities, particularly in Texas. Under new policy changes, restrictions on where ICE agents can conduct immigration enforcement have been lifted. While ICE agents still require warrants to enter private residences, schools, and churches, the expansion of their authority has raised concerns among immigrant communities and advocacy groups. These increased raids have led to heightened fear and uncertainty among undocumented individuals and their families.
DHS and CBP’s Roles in Immigration Enforcement
ICE, established in 2003, operates under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and plays a critical role in national security and immigration enforcement. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) works alongside ICE, particularly in border areas where it has broad search powers within 100 miles of U.S. borders and coastlines. The collaboration between these agencies is central to the administration’s immigration crackdown.
Understanding Key Immigration Terms
With the intensification of immigration enforcement, it is crucial to understand key terms associated with immigration policies:
- Migrant: A general term for individuals moving from one country to another.
- ICE: Immigration and Customs Enforcement, responsible for enforcing immigration laws within the U.S.
- Coyote: A guide who smuggles migrants across the border for a fee.
- Hielera: A term meaning “icebox,” referring to the extremely cold holding cells used by U.S. immigration authorities for detainees.
ICE Structure and Leadership
ICE operates with a workforce of approximately 21,000 employees across the U.S. and in 55 countries. The current acting director of ICE is Caleb Vitello, who reports to the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem. The agency’s budget for fiscal year 2024 stands at approximately $9 billion, reflecting the administration’s commitment to bolstering immigration enforcement.
The Future of Immigration Policy Under Trump
With ICE ramping up operations and new policies favoring rapid deportation, the landscape of immigration enforcement is shifting dramatically. Supporters argue these measures enhance national security and uphold the rule of law, while critics warn of human rights violations and disruptions to immigrant communities. As legal battles over these policies unfold, the future of U.S. immigration remains uncertain, with significant implications for millions of individuals.
