The Trump administration has reportedly implemented a controversial new policy requiring immigration officers to meet a daily quota for arrests, according to internal documents obtained by The Guardian.
Under the directive, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are expected to make a minimum number of arrests each day, sparking concerns among advocacy groups about potential overreach and civil liberties violations.
How the New Quota System Works
The policy reportedly sets specific numerical targets for different categories of arrests:
- Mandatory minimum arrests per officer per day
- Separate quotas for different types of immigration violations
- Performance metrics tied to arrest numbers
Criticism from Civil Rights Groups
Human rights organisations have condemned the measure, arguing it could lead to:
- Racial profiling and indiscriminate arrests
- Prioritisation of quantity over legitimate security concerns
- Erosion of trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement
"This turns immigration enforcement into a numbers game rather than a thoughtful security measure," said one civil rights attorney speaking anonymously.
Administration's Defense
Supporters of the policy maintain that:
- Clear metrics improve accountability
- It ensures consistent enforcement of immigration laws
- Quotas help prioritise resources effectively
The White House has not officially commented on the reported policy change, but previous statements have emphasised a "zero tolerance" approach to immigration enforcement.
