Donald Trump has pledged to intensify immigration enforcement in several Democratic-led cities, following nationwide 'No Kings' protests on Saturday that drew millions. The announcement comes amid reports that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) is $1bn over budget and may run out of money within months.
In a Sunday night post on Truth Social, Trump ordered Ice officers to 'do all in their power' to achieve 'the single largest Mass Deportation Program in History'. He specifically targeted Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, alleging without evidence that these cities use 'illegal aliens to expand their voter base'. Non-citizens are not permitted to vote in US elections.
The president's stance on immigration has fluctuated recently. Last week, his administration ordered a halt to workplace immigration enforcement actions not related to criminal investigations, citing pressure from farmers and the hospitality industry. Sunday's post appeared to reverse that position, using the far-right term 'remigration' to describe deportation goals.
Trump's order follows Saturday's military parade in Washington DC, which critics said was hijacked as a self-celebration on his 79th birthday. He also faced backlash for politicising the military after a pop-up shop sold Trump merchandise to active-duty soldiers at Fort Bragg.
Los Angeles has become a flashpoint for protests against Ice raids, with Trump deploying National Guard troops and US Marines. Saturday's 'No Kings' demonstration in the city drew an estimated 200,000 attendees, according to organisers.
