Since President Donald Trump took office, two million illegal immigrants have departed the United States, as reported by the Department of Homeland Security. This figure comprises about 1.6 million individuals who self-deported voluntarily, along with over 400,000 who faced deportation. Currently, the department is on a trajectory to reach 600,000 deportations in Trump’s first year back in office.
Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the significance of these figures, stating, “The numbers don’t lie: 2 million illegal aliens have been removed or self-deported in just 250 days.” She pointed out that the administration’s policies, coupled with strong leadership, have made American communities safer. “Ramped-up immigration enforcement targeting the worst of the worst is removing more and more criminal illegal aliens off our streets every day and is sending a clear message to anyone else in this country illegally: Self-deport or we will arrest and deport you,” McLaughlin affirmed.
Significantly, the United States Customs and Border Protection has reported that zero illegal aliens have been released into the country for four consecutive months. A United Nations report mentioned a remarkable 97 percent decrease in illegal immigrants journeying to the U.S. from Central America. Notably, 49 percent of those who chose to cease their attempts to cross the border cited Trump’s policies as the driving force behind their decision.
However, enforcing immigration policies comes with challenges. A recent incident involved two illegal immigrants who attempted to resist apprehension after one of them allegedly assaulted a female Border Patrol agent. According to reports, Juan Carmen Padron Mendez, 29, placed his hands around the agent’s neck while she was stopped at a red light. Both Mendez and Juan Carlos Padron Barron, 23, were arrested and now face multiple charges, including assault. U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei reiterated the strict stance taken against assaults on law enforcement, stating, “Let it be known: if you lay a hand on an officer, deputy or federal agent, SDTX will do whatever it can to put you in federal prison for as long as the law will allow.”
The political landscape also complicates the administration’s efforts. Recently, the Department of Homeland Security urged states like California, Illinois, and New York to cooperate with detaining criminal illegal immigrants. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons called on these states to honor ICE detainers. However, Illinois and New York declined the request, while California did not respond. The refusal by Illinois to acknowledge ICE’s follow-up emphasizes a broader trend of resistance against federal immigration enforcement.
McLaughlin further criticized the sanctuary policies in those states, stating, “These dangerous sanctuary policies, often combined with cashless bail for serious crimes, allow criminal illegal aliens to be released back into American communities — threatening the American people’s lives and well-being.” She claimed that ICE detainers are reasonable requests asking states to notify federal agents when illegal immigrants are released from jail, preventing them from returning to the streets.
Overall, the stark figures regarding illegal immigration departures signify a notable outcome of the administration’s policies. Yet, the interplay of local resistance against federal directives poses a continual hurdle for effective immigration enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security remains firm in its stance, asserting the need for cooperation from all states to prioritize the safety and security of American communities.
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