Immigration and Customs Enforcement has arrested more than 7,400 people in just nine days as part of the Trump administration’s aggressive effort to curb illegal immigration.
The large-scale operations have targeted violent offenders, with many arrests taking place in sanctuary cities across multiple states.
ICE Raids Sweep Through Sanctuary Cities
Federal immigration officers have been seen conducting raids at homes, workplaces, and other establishments, ramping up deportations. The administration has also vowed to send the most dangerous offenders to Guantánamo Bay.
ICE has reported a total of 7,412 arrests as of January 31, with nearly 6,000 ICE detainers placed on individuals flagged for deportation. Officials have also confirmed that some of the detainees are violent criminals linked to gangs such as Tren de Aragua and MS-13.
NYC Praises ICE Raids After Gang Leader’s Capture
In New York City, ICE agents arrested Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, a suspected ringleader of the Tren de Aragua gang. Zambrano-Pacheco was caught on video last summer when armed men broke into an apartment complex in Colorado. His capture was part of a larger operation that saw ICE detain individuals accused of serious crimes, including sex offenses, drug trafficking, and gun violations.
Luis Adolfo Guerra Perez, an MS-13 gang member from Guatemala, was also arrested in Massachusetts. He had been previously ordered deported but was released by a Boston court before being picked up by ICE.
Homeland Security Secretary Joins High-Profile NYC Raid
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem joined an immigration enforcement operation in New York City, emphasizing that ICE is focused on targeting the worst offenders.
“We are arresting the worst of the worst,” Noem said, highlighting that the crackdown is making communities safer. She has coordinated efforts with other federal agencies, including the DEA, ATF, and FBI, to ensure high-profile criminals are removed from the streets.
Trump Orders Guantánamo Bay to Hold Criminal Migrants
The Trump administration has taken an unprecedented step by directing the military to prepare Guantánamo Bay for up to 30,000 criminal migrants. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the worst offenders will be temporarily housed at the detention facility, adding that military action against cartels is also being considered.
Trump, speaking on the issue, said, “Today, I’m signing an executive order instructing the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security to begin preparing the 30,000-person migrant facility at Guantánamo Bay.” However, later reports confirmed that Trump signed a presidential memorandum, not an executive order.
Public Reaction to ICE Crackdown
The large-scale immigration raids have been met with mixed reactions. Many residents in affected cities have expressed support, citing concerns over rising crime.
“Many residents, from immigrants to citizens, welcome ICE coming in and taking the criminals out of these communities,” said Queens activist Ramses Frías, a city council candidate. “They welcome law and order and want safe streets.”
However, some city leaders remain opposed. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining sanctuary city policies, resisting federal enforcement efforts.
With the Trump administration pushing forward with its immigration crackdown, the debate over public safety and immigration policy continues to intensify.
