The U.S. government has arrested over 500 undocumented immigrants and deported hundreds just days after President Donald Trump took office.

"The Trump administration has arrested 538 undocumented immigrants with criminal records," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on X (formerly Twitter) on January 23. She added that hundreds have already been deported aboard military aircraft.

Leavitt declared that the "largest mass deportation operation in history is underway" and emphasized that the Trump administration is "delivering on its promises."

Crackdown on Illegal Immigration

President Trump has made tackling illegal immigration a cornerstone of his policy agenda, pledging strict measures throughout his campaign. Following his inauguration, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border and ordered the immediate deportation of undocumented immigrants with criminal records.

Ras J. Baraka, mayor of Newark, New Jersey, reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided a local facility, detaining both undocumented immigrants and U.S. citizens without presenting search warrants.

According to Mayor Baraka, one of the U.S. citizens wrongfully detained was a military veteran, calling ICE’s actions "a blatant violation of the U.S. Constitution."

ICE confirmed in a statement on January 23 that 538 individuals had been arrested, and 373 were in custody awaiting deportation.

Concerns Over Enforcement

Democratic Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim expressed alarm over ICE’s actions in Newark. "These tactics sow fear in our communities. We need real solutions, not fear-mongering strategies," the senators said in a joint statement.

Addressing illegal immigration remains one of the Trump administration’s top priorities. President Trump has pledged to carry out "the largest deportation campaign in American history," which could impact approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants residing in the U.S.

(Sources: AFP, AP)