Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem led a targeted operation in New York City on Tuesday, as part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s increased arrests. This operation is part of a larger initiative to crack down on “sanctuary cities” that have policies limiting cooperation with federal deportation efforts. White House border czar Tom Homan has emphasized the administration’s commitment to combatting sanctuary policies with more aggressive enforcement actions.
In a video posted online, Noem expressed determination to remove “dirtbags” from the streets of New York City. The operation on Tuesday resulted in the arrest of Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, a suspected member of the gang Tren de Aragua wanted for various charges in Colorado, according to The New York Post. The Tren de Aragua gang, of Venezuelan origin, gained national attention during the presidential campaign when Trump described Aurora, Colo. as besieged by criminal gangs of unauthorized immigrants.
The recent enforcement operations have targeted major cities across the country, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, the Austin-San Antonio area, and Atlanta. ICE has collaborated with other law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and ATF to carry out these arrests. Homan has stated that the focus of these arrests is on national security threats and individuals with serious criminal records or pending charges.
Since taking office, Trump has eliminated prosecutorial discretion guidelines that previously protected law-abiding migrants with ties to the country from deportation under the Biden administration. In addition, the Department of Justice has made it more difficult for migrants in detention to access legal assistance. Deportations are conducted in civil proceedings without the right to legal representation, a change that has raised concerns among legal aid groups.
The surge in immigration arrests under the new administration has been evident, with daily tallies from ICE showing consistent numbers around 1,000 arrests per day. These developments highlight the administration’s aggressive approach to immigration enforcement and the significant impact it is having on immigrant communities across the country.
