LA Immigration Raids: What’s Next?
- The Trump administration is broadening its immigration enforcement strategy, now targeting any individual who is deportable, a shift from earlier promises to focus on those with criminal records.
- Raids have occurred across the country,including in California at courthouses,factories,and even near churches.
- Homan acknowledged that deportation numbers have not met expectations.
Trump Administration Widens Immigration Arrests, Targets Anyone deportable
Updated June 12, 2025
The Trump administration is broadening its immigration enforcement strategy, now targeting any individual who is deportable, a shift from earlier promises to focus on those with criminal records. This expansion comes amid disappointment with the initial pace of arrests.
Raids have occurred across the country,including in California at courthouses,factories,and even near churches. Tom Homan, President Trump’s chief advisor on border policy, indicated that other sanctuary jurisdictions can expect similar actions. immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is implementing new strategies to meet White House demands.
Homan acknowledged that deportation numbers have not met expectations. While the administration prioritizes removing individuals who pose a threat to public and national security, anyone in the country illegally is now considered a target. Arrests are occurring in locations previously considered off-limits, with a rescinded policy now allowing enforcement actions in sensitive areas like hospitals and schools.
The Department of Homeland Security has also appealed to the public for assistance in locating and deporting undocumented individuals, releasing a poster urging people to report “foreign invaders.”
in Los Angeles,the deployment of the National Guard and U.S. Marines without local consent has sparked controversy. While Trump claims thes deployments have been effective, local leaders argue they have only inflamed tensions amid ongoing protests against ICE raids.
California Democrats argue these enforcement actions are retribution for the state’s immigrant-protective policies and a distraction from Republican tax-and-spending bills. They suggest the president aims to provoke further unrest to justify invoking the Insurrection Act and establishing martial law.
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles) accused the administration of manufacturing violence for political gain, highlighting potential consequences for vulnerable populations.
The administration is also scrutinizing employers who hire undocumented workers. Homan stated that if sufficient proof of illegal hiring practices is found, action will be taken.
Deborah Fleischaker, a former Homeland Security official from the biden administration, suggested alternative, less disruptive enforcement methods, such as I-9 audits. She criticized the current approach as unnecessarily aggressive.
This expansive approach aligns with Trump’s campaign promises to deport millions. The shift reportedly followed a meeting where Stephen Miller criticized ICE officials for not conducting raids at locations like Home Depot and 7-Eleven.
Homan reported that ICE has recently arrested approximately 2,000 people daily, a meaningful increase from the average of 657 during Trump’s initial 100 days in office. This surge has led to detention numbers exceeding 50,000, a level not seen since Trump’s first presidency, according to TRAC.
Addressing concerns about overcrowding in detention facilities, Homan acknowledged the issue during intake and noted that some detainees from California have been transferred to other states due to California’s stringent policies on immigration detention.
Jason Houser,former ICE chief of staff under Biden,suggested that quotas incentivize agents to prioritize easy targets. He believes miller is aware that ICE lacks the resources to achieve a million removals by year’s end, perhaps explaining the deployment of military troops.
Critics argue the administration’s strategy aims to frighten immigrants into leaving voluntarily, as detention and deportation are costly. A former senior ICE official noted the contrast with the Biden administration’s more cautious approach,emphasizing the current administration’s disregard for potential consequences.
Homan maintained that protests have not deterred ICE from meeting arrest targets and suggested increased operations in sanctuary cities.
“I’m not happy with the numbers.We need to find these people.”
What’s next
The administration is expected to continue its mass deportation efforts, focusing on both undocumented individuals and the employers who hire them. Further legal challenges and public protests are anticipated as these policies are implemented.