The Trump administration has deployed a surge of armed federal immigration enforcement personnel across the United States, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) calling it the largest operation in its history. The crackdown has focused on Democratic-led cities, but raids have occurred nationwide, targeting homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and courthouses. The efforts have delighted the president's base but also caused fear and family separations.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the primary agency involved, with its enforcement and removal operations (ERO) branch conducting most visible arrests. Border Patrol and other federal agencies have also been drafted. The DHS, headed by Secretary Markwayne Mullin, oversees both ICE and Border Patrol. Mullin replaced Kristi Noem, who was fired in March 2026 after controversial media appearances and statements.
The Homeland Security Act of 2002 created DHS and ICE, merging immigration enforcement with national security. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act nearly tripled ICE's budget to $28.7bn for 2025-2026, and ICE officer numbers doubled from 10,000 to 22,000 in 2025. Congress awarded DHS a total of $175bn.
Under the Trump administration, ERO has ramped up arrests in public places and job sites, making deportation officers more visible. Local Democratic jurisdictions that previously limited cooperation with ICE have been bypassed, as the White House demands increased arrests and deportations of people already living in the US.
