President Donald Trump has doubled down on his promise to reshape America’s immigration landscape, ordering a massive expansion of migrant detentions and deportations. In a fiery Truth Social post on June 15, 2025, Trump called for federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), to deliver “the single largest mass deportation program in history.” Targeting cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, the president’s directive has ignited fierce protests, legal battles, and a deepening divide across the nation.
A Sweeping Deportation Plan
Trump’s latest order builds on his 2024 campaign pledge to carry out unprecedented deportations, focusing on what he calls “criminal illegal aliens.” The administration aims for 3,000 immigration-related arrests daily, enlisting federal agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ramp up efforts in Democratic-led “sanctuary cities.” These cities, which limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, have become flashpoints in the clash between state and federal powers.
The strategy isn’t just about arrests. According to The New York Post, the administration’s two-track plan encourages “self-deportation” through programs like the “CBP Home” app, which allows migrants to register their intent to leave voluntarily. Reports estimate that 773,000 to 1 million foreign-born workers have exited the workforce since March 2025, boosting average hourly wages by 0.4% to $36.24 in May. While supporters argue this strengthens the economy for American workers, critics warn of labor shortages in industries like farming and hospitality.
Protests Erupt Nationwide
As ICE intensifies its operations, protests have swept across the country. The “No Kings” movement, rallying against Trump’s policies, staged demonstrations from Los Angeles to New York on June 14, coinciding with a military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 79th birthday. Tensions boiled over in Salt Lake City, Utah, where one person died in a shooting during a “No Kings” march.
Trump’s response—deploying National Guard troops and Marines to quell protests in Los Angeles—has drawn sharp criticism. Opponents argue his use of military force threatens free speech and escalates tensions. Meanwhile, sanctuary city officials defend their legal right to protect undocumented residents, setting the stage for prolonged court battles.
Economic and Social Fallout
The crackdown has sent shockwaves through industries reliant on immigrant labor. Farms, hotels, and meatpacking plants report worker shortages, prompting the administration to briefly pause raids on these workplaces. Trump acknowledged the strain in a June 12 Truth Social post, stating, “Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business… have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long-time workers away.” Yet, he insisted on prioritizing the removal of “criminals.”
Critics highlight a chilling statistic: less than 10% of immigrants detained by ICE since October 2024 had serious criminal convictions, according to internal data reported by CNN. This suggests the sweeps are casting a wide net, affecting families and communities far beyond the “worst of the worst” Trump claims to target.
A Polarized Nation
Public opinion remains split. Polls before the 2024 election showed strong support for tough immigration policies, but the growing scale of deportations has fueled resistance. The “No Kings” protests reflect a broader unease with Trump’s authoritarian approach, while his base cheers the fulfillment of his campaign promises.
As the administration pushes forward, the human cost is undeniable. Families face separation, communities live in fear, and industries grapple with uncertainty. Yet, for Trump’s supporters, the rising wages and stricter enforcement signal a return to “law and order.” With legal challenges mounting and protests intensifying, the nation braces for a turbulent chapter in its immigration saga.