President orders mass deportations in retaliation for “No Kings” demonstrations as agency faces budget crisis and industry backlash
New York, N.Y.—In the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, 19-year-old Jeanet (last name withheld) joined thousands chanting “ICE out of New York!” last Tuesday.
Her voice trembled not from fear, but conviction: “I’m here for those too scared to protest this authoritarianism,” she told NPR, one face among a nationwide uprising against Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. Her defiance now places her city directly in the crosshairs of a retaliatory White House.
Escalation Amid Backlash
Trump Targets Sanctuary Cities With ICE Blitz
President Trump escalated his immigration enforcement campaign Sunday night, ordering U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to launch “the single largest Mass Deportation Program in History” specifically targeting Democratic-led cities.
In a Truth Social post, he commanded agents to “expand efforts to detain and deport Illegal Aliens” in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles—cities that hosted the largest “No Kings” protests against his administration. The directive explicitly linked enforcement to politics, alleging without evidence that Democrats use immigrants to “expand their voter base” and “cheat in Elections.”
The order comes amid turmoil within ICE. Axios reported the agency is $1 billion over budget and could exhaust funds within months despite Trump’s five-year funding plan. Meanwhile, internal tensions flare as the administration simultaneously pauses raids on farms, hotels, and meatpacking plants—industries that warned of economic collapse without immigrant labor.
Remigration Rhetoric
Far-Right Terminology Enters Mainstream
Trump’s directive notably adopted the term “remigration,” a concept championed by Europe’s far-right to remove immigrants en masse. Analysts attribute its sudden appearance in presidential communications to advisor Stephen Miller, who reportedly seeks 3,000 daily arrests—quadrupling current rates.
The targeted cities reveal a pattern of political retribution:
- Los Angeles: Hosted 200,000 protesters on June 14 and endured military occupation
- Chicago: Saw 75,000 march against ICE tactics
- New York: Drew upwards of 100,000 chanting “No Kings, no borders!”
“This is vengeance disguised as policy,” said former NBC analyst Chuck Todd. “He’s openly admitting to politicizing law enforcement.”
Economic Reckoning
Industries Collide With Ideology
Even as Trump targets cities, his administration shields certain sectors from raids. An internal ICE memo obtained by the AP confirms halted investigations into agriculture, restaurants, and hotels after industry leaders warned of “impossible to replace” workforce losses.
The economic stakes are staggering:
- Los Angeles immigrants paid $56.5 billion in taxes in 2023
- They comprise 50% of health aides and construction workers
- Over 425,000 immigrant entrepreneurs generate $13 billion in business income
“Immigrants are not a threat; they’re the backbone of our communities,” said Nan Wu of the American Immigration Council.
Voices From The Streets
“We Didn’t Come Here for Another King”
At “No Kings” rallies nationwide, personal stories fueled the resistance:
- Maria Rodriguez, a DACA recipient in L.A.: “I know I am American. This crackdown betrays our values”
- Rigoberto Ortega, protesting family separations: “We stand for those without voice”
- George Atkinson, 89, with a walker-sign in Houston: “Trump’s supporters would’ve failed my government class”
For 66-year-old Paula Lopez, the raids trigger traumatic memories: “I lived through ICE tearing families apart in 1980. It’s happening again.”
Polling Paradox
Public Opinion Splinters on Tactics
Recent polls reveal deepening divides:
- 54% approved of Trump’s deportation policies pre-protests (CBS)
- 56% now disapprove following LA clashes (Quinnipiac)
- 50% criticize his protest response (Reuters/Ipsos)
Republican lawmakers reflect this tension. Representative David Valadao (R-CA) urged prioritizing “criminals over hardworking residents,” while Hispanic Conference chair Tony Gonzales (R-TX) warned against targeting “the milker of cows in 103-degree weather.”
Constitutional Clash
Federal vs. Local Power Showdown
The crackdown ignites legal warfare between the White House and sanctuary cities. After Glendale, California terminated its ICE detention contract, the Department of Homeland Security accused it of siding with “criminal illegal aliens.” Mayors from 30 cities demanded troop withdrawals, with L.A.’s Karen Bass condemning the “brazen abuse of power” after Marines occupied her city.
California Governor Gavin Newsom framed the standoff as existential: “Democracy is under assault before our eyes.”
What Comes Next
Resistance and Uncertainty
With ICE’s budget crisis looming and courts reviewing military deployments, the crackdown faces practical hurdles. Yet the human cost mounts daily:
- Families in Compton reported military-style raids with armored vehicles
- A 21-year-old Riverside protester remains comatose after a hit-and-run during demonstrations
- “Dreamers” like Rodriguez now question their place in America
As ICE agents prepare for intensified operations, Jeanet’s words in New York echo nationwide: “Those who can stand up have an urgent responsibility to do it today.”
Summary for audio
President Trump escalates ICE raids targeting Democratic cities after historic “No Kings” protests. With the agency facing budget shortfalls and industries warning of economic harm, the administration pushes mass deportations amid rising public resistance. This is a breaking story with profound implications for communities nationwide.
