The newly designated US border protection official, Tom Homan, told Fox that nationwide raids will commence as early as Tuesday. According to the Washington Post, the initial operation will take place in Chicago, Illinois, and is expected to last at least a week. Up to 200 ICE agents will be deployed to search for and apprehend illegal migrants. The Midwestern metropolis, which has self-proclaimed itself a “sanctuary city” is just one of many locations planned for such operations, Homan said, as reported by Bild.
Homan also emphasized that no one will be spared, stating, “If they’re in the country illegally, they have a problem.” As estimated by authorities, at least 11 million undocumented immigrants reside in the United States. Trump’s plans to deport illegal immigrants could have direct consequences for approximately 20 million families, while exercises at the US-Mexico border are already underway to test deportation practices. The feasibility of carrying out such a large-scale deportation effort with a limited number of agents remains uncertain, with some interpreting the government’s bold statements as a form of symbolic action.