Trump administration pushes aggressive crackdowns on undocumented immigrants

The Trump administration has initiated a series of measures targeting undocumented immigrants shortly after taking office. These actions, described as “broad crackdowns,” have ignited resistance from immigrant advocacy groups, intensifying tensions nationwide.

On January 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Laiken Riley Act” and sent it to the White House for President Donald Trump’s signature. The legislation allows for the immediate deportation of undocumented immigrants apprehended for misdemeanors such as domestic violence or theft exceeding $100. This act is poised to become the first bill signed by President Trump since his inauguration.

The bill had already cleared the Senate on January 20 and passed the House with a 263-156 vote, garnering support from 46 Democratic representatives. The legislation signals the administration’s aggressive approach to immigration enforcement.

The crackdown on undocumented immigrants is expected to extend to “sanctuary cities” such as Los Angeles and the state of California, both of which have declared policies protecting undocumented residents by refusing to cooperate with federal deportation efforts. Sanctuary cities provide humanitarian support and reject federal deportation policies.

The White House has issued warnings to non-compliant cities and states, threatening investigations, punitive actions, and the withholding of federal funds if federal enforcement efforts are obstructed.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, in response to proposed birthright citizenship restrictions, dismissed the measures as “unconstitutional.” California remains a “sanctuary state” under Newsom’s leadership, while Los Angeles passed its sanctuary city ordinance in November last year.

The Los Angeles Times reported on January 22 that the Trump administration’s executive orders could disrupt federal funding crucial for wildfire recovery efforts in California. Meanwhile, Huntington Beach City Council declared itself a “non-sanctuary city” on January 21, rejecting protections for undocumented immigrants.

“We need every law enforcement effort, whenever called upon, whether it be fighting terrorists, whether it be fighting purse snatchers, or whatever it is, we have to have every law enforcement tool to best serve our citizens,” Huntington Beach Mayor Pat Burns said.

The New York Post reported that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 308 undocumented immigrants with criminal records on President Trump’s first day in office. These operations spanned cities including Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, Baltimore, Denver, and Seattle.

The expansive immigration enforcement has sparked protests. On January 21, immigrant advocacy groups, including Korean American organizations, held a candlelight vigil at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles’ Koreatown to condemn the federal government’s actions. Protesters expressed concern about the broader impact on families and communities, emphasizing that deportations extend beyond individual undocumented immigrants.

In a related move, the Trump administration declared a national emergency at the southern border immediately after the inauguration. The Department of Defense has been instructed to deploy 1,500 troops to the border to bolster efforts to prevent illegal crossings.

BY BRIAN CHOI, YOUNGNAM KIM [ichoi@koreadaily.com]