The Trump administration is intensifying its immigration enforcement efforts, with a new nationwide crackdown targeting migrant families and unaccompanied children, according to reports from NBC News. The operation, spearheaded by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will focus on detaining adults and minors who entered the U.S. together and have existing deportation orders.

A Shift in Enforcement Priorities

During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump and his border czar, Tom Homan, emphasized that mass deportation efforts would prioritize migrants with criminal records. However, the latest reports indicate that these new operations will target families and children, even those without criminal histories. This marks a significant shift in immigration enforcement strategy and raises concerns about the humanitarian impact on vulnerable migrant populations.

Family Detention Centers Reinstated

The administration is also working with private prison corporations to reinstate family detention centers previously closed under the Biden administration. One such facility, operated by CoreCivic in Dilley, Texas, is set to reopen, capable of detaining up to 2,400 individuals at a time. The revival of family detention is reminiscent of past efforts under previous administrations, but the scale and scope of these raids suggest an even more aggressive approach.

Legal and Humanitarian Concerns

The renewed focus on detaining families and children raises multiple legal and humanitarian concerns:

1. Flores Settlement Compliance: Under the Flores agreement, minors held with their parents cannot be detained in ICE custody for more than 20 days. This restriction could make large-scale family detention both costly and legally challenging for the administration.

2. Psychological and Emotional Impact: Past family detention and separation policies have led to severe psychological distress for children and parents. Medical experts and advocacy groups have long warned about the harmful effects of prolonged detention on minors.

3. Due Process Violations: The aggressive enforcement of deportation orders without ensuring access to legal representation for asylum seekers risks violating fundamental due process rights.

Historical Context: A Recurring Strategy

Since 2014, both Democratic and Republican administrations have implemented various measures to deter families and unaccompanied minors from crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.

• The Obama administration detained families until they could be released with pending court dates.

• The first Trump administration escalated these efforts with its notorious "zero-tolerance" policy, which led to the forced separation of over 5,000 families. Following widespread public outcry, the policy was rescinded.

• The Biden administration introduced a program requiring heads of households to wear ankle monitors to track their locations while awaiting deportation, though it was costly and limited in scope.

Now, with Trump back in office, his administration appears to be reviving and expanding policies that had previously faced legal challenges and public backlash.

What Comes Next?

The latest developments indicate a broad expansion of immigration enforcement that will likely face legal challenges and widespread opposition from immigrant rights organizations. With the Department of Homeland Security and ICE remaining silent on the specifics, the coming months will determine how these policies unfold and whether they will withstand legal scrutiny.

At Saluja Law, we remain committed to providing guidance and legal assistance to those affected by evolving immigration policies. If you or someone you know is facing deportation proceedings or requires legal assistance, contact us for support in navigating these challenging times.