This past weekend, millions of demonstrators took to the streets in cities across the United States for the national “No Kings Day” protests—a massive show of public opposition to authoritarianism, injustice, and unchecked executive power. In the wake of these demonstrations, the federal government has responded not with dialogue or de-escalation, but with promises of intensified immigration enforcement and the largest mass deportation effort in U.S. history.
On Sunday, in a public post that has since drawn widespread condemnation, the administration ordered immigration authorities to ramp up operations in major metropolitan areas, singling out immigrant-rich cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. The directive called for immigration agents to "do all in their power" to detain and remove undocumented immigrants, despite no change in federal law and without clear legal guidance on the scope or limits of this expanded enforcement.
This announcement comes amid reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is $1 billion over budget and may be unable to sustain operations for more than a few months without emergency funding. Despite this, the administration has committed to expanding ICE's efforts, even proposing the redirection of funds from other government programs if Congress fails to pass a sweeping immigration spending bill.
A Dangerous Political Turn
The timing and tone of this expanded crackdown cannot be ignored. The mass mobilization seen during “No Kings Day” was a peaceful demonstration of democratic values—free speech, civil liberties, and constitutional checks on executive power. Yet in response, the federal government has chosen to target immigrant communities in cities where these protests were most visible, effectively politicizing immigration enforcement and redirecting law enforcement resources for partisan ends.
The rhetoric framing this new enforcement campaign leans heavily on fear and misinformation. Assertions that undocumented immigrants are undermining the electoral process or serving as a political base for opposition parties are both unfounded and inflammatory. Non-citizens are legally barred from voting in U.S. elections, and there is no credible evidence of systemic violations of this law.
What is particularly alarming is the use of militarized language and tactics, including references to “remigration”—a term increasingly associated with far-right movements—and the deployment of National Guard and even active-duty military personnel to assist in ICE operations. This escalates an already aggressive enforcement strategy and raises serious questions about the constitutional limits of federal power.
Economic, Legal, and Ethical Implications
Aside from the political motivations, this enforcement strategy carries significant risks for U.S. industries and communities. Agriculture, hospitality, and construction sectors—many of which rely heavily on undocumented labor—have already expressed concern that mass deportations will decimate their workforces. These industries are still reeling from previous waves of ICE raids and labor shortages, and a renewed crackdown could cripple production and service capacity nationwide.
Legally, this sudden escalation may exceed ICE's statutory authority and invites legal challenges on due process, equal protection, and administrative overreach. Sweeping mandates to arrest thousands of individuals daily without individualized assessments or safeguards run contrary to basic principles of justice.
Saluja Law's Commitment
At Saluja Law, we are gravely concerned about the direction of immigration enforcement in this country. Targeting cities for political retaliation, using the language of warfare to describe policy objectives, and pushing ICE beyond its lawful boundaries not only undermines our legal institutions—it erodes the values that define our democracy.
We urge individuals, families, and businesses who may be affected by these developments to take proactive steps. Know your rights. Have a legal plan. Seek counsel if you are at risk.
We are committed to standing with immigrant communities and defending the rule of law in the face of executive overreach. We believe in due process, dignity, and accountability—and we will continue to fight for these principles in every case we handle.
If you or someone you know is impacted by increased ICE activity or fears detention under these new policies, please contact Saluja Law immediately.