In a move likely to deepen partisan tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered what he calls the “largest Mass Deportation Program in history,” instructing federal immigration agents to intensify efforts in Democratic strongholds such as Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.

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The directive follows a wave of civil unrest in Los Angeles after raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Trump, writing on his Truth Social platform, urged agents to target cities where “millions upon millions of illegal aliens reside” and to “expand efforts to detain and deport them.”

The former president accused Democrats of protecting undocumented migrants to “expand their voter base, cheat in elections, and grow the welfare state,” claiming these policies rob American citizens of jobs and social benefits.

Many of the targeted cities operate under sanctuary laws that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement — policies Trump and Republican lawmakers have long opposed.

The announcement drew immediate backlash from local officials. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the president’s deployment of the National Guard and active-duty Marines in response to the riots. Newsom labeled the move unconstitutional and filed a lawsuit against both the Trump administration and the Pentagon.

“Donald Trump is creating fear and terror by failing to adhere to the U.S. Constitution and overstepping his authority,” Newsom said in a public statement.

A nighttime curfew remains in place in parts of downtown Los Angeles, where protests have escalated into looting, vandalism, and violent confrontations with police.

During his 2024 campaign, Trump vowed to dismantle what he called “open border” policies under former President Joe Biden. His administration is now moving aggressively to reshape immigration enforcement, with critics warning of human rights violations and legal overreach.

Immigrant rights groups and civil liberties organizations have condemned the new deportation push, arguing it could lead to mass detentions, family separations, and violations of due process.

“Calling this a ‘mass deportation program’ isn’t just rhetoric — it’s a dangerous escalation that puts millions at risk and violates core democratic principles,” said María Ortiz, spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

So far, the White House has not released figures on how many people may be targeted or detained under the initiative.

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