By Douglas Maha, with agency reports
The United States has initiated a large-scale deportation operation, with hundreds of migrants detained and others deported via military aircraft, according to a statement from the White House.
On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that 538 individuals identified as “illegal immigrant criminals” were arrested as part of the operation.
Additionally, she stated that “hundreds” of individuals had been flown out of the country on military aircraft. These actions are part of the Trump administration’s ongoing effort to enforce stricter immigration policies.
The operation follows a series of executive orders signed by President Donald Trump earlier this week, as he begins his second term in office. Trump’s re-election campaign focused heavily on curbing illegal immigration, and the deportation actions represent a significant escalation of his administration’s efforts to overhaul U.S. immigration systems.
These measures include a renewed push to address visa overstays, border enforcement, and the removal of individuals deemed to have criminal backgrounds.
The crackdown has raised concerns among immigrant rights groups, who have criticized the operation as inhumane. Advocacy organizations have warned that the deportations may disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, including those fleeing violence or persecution in their home countries.
“This is a deliberate attempt to instil fear in immigrant communities,” said Maria Garcia, a spokeswoman for a national immigration advocacy group.
Mexico deploys troops to border with U.S.
In response to the threatened deportations, Mexican authorities have mobilized their forces, with soldiers dispatched to set up emergency shelters near the U.S.-Mexico border to assist migrants who may be impacted by the policy.
The shelters are intended to offer temporary refuge for those at risk of deportation, although concerns remain about the capacity and long-term sustainability of such efforts.
The deportation operation also comes at a time of growing political tensions surrounding immigration policy in the U.S. The issue has long been a contentious one, with strong divisions between those advocating for more restrictive policies and those calling for comprehensive immigration reform and a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
The crackdown coincides with President Trump’s upcoming visit to California and North Carolina on Friday. This will be his first trip since returning to office, and it includes stops in areas heavily impacted by recent natural disasters. In both states, severe wildfires and hurricanes have become political flashpoints, with critics accusing the administration of mishandling federal disaster relief efforts.
While the deportation operations are underway, the White House has indicated that the administration will continue to focus on both border security and the enforcement of existing immigration laws. The situation remains fluid, with further updates expected as the operation progresses and more details emerge.
