ICE instructed to boost arrests amid Trump's frustration
The US administration, dissatisfied with current results, has directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to increase daily arrests of migrants to around 1,500, a significant increase from the approximately 300 daily arrests during the Biden era. "The Washington Post" reports that the new standards could lead to the detention of people without a criminal record.
The report states that each ICE field office is to make 75 arrests daily, aiming for a total of 1,500 detentions nationwide. Failure to meet this quota could have consequences for office heads.
Trump is reportedly "disappointed"
The order reportedly stems from former President Trump's disappointment with the service's actions thus far, as the number of daily arrests—around 300—matched the numbers during Joe Biden's term.
Operations launched in Chicago
Tom Homan, former ICE head, in an interview with ABC News, emphasized that the administration is in the initial phase of deportations and that activities will expand. The priority is addressing public safety threats, but the number of arrests will increase. ICE has announced "enhanced targeted operations" in Chicago in cooperation with the FBI.
The Department of Homeland Security has lifted guidelines that previously prohibited the detention of migrants around "sensitive areas," such as churches or schools.
This move has faced criticism, including from the American Episcopate. Vice President JD Vance, in an interview with CBS, expressed disappointment with the bishops' criticism, suggesting they are motivated by financial considerations.
"I think that the US Conference of Catholic Bishops needs to actually look in the mirror a little bit and recognize that when they receive over $100 million to help resettle illegal immigrants, are they worried about humanitarian concerns? Or are they actually worried about their bottom line?" asked the vice president.
