Kathrine Frich
Immigration policy in the United States has entered a new phase under President Donald Trump’s current term.
Government data suggest that deportations are happening at a pace not seen in decades, with the administration saying this is only the start of a broader plan.
Record deportations
Since Donald Trump returned to office on January 20, more than 515,000 undocumented immigrants have been deported, according to figures confirmed by a senior Department of Homeland Security official.
Deputy Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the administration is “on track to break historic records” by reaching 600,000 deportations before the end of the first year.
In total, officials estimate that more than two million people have left the United States since January, including 1.6 million who departed voluntarily.
A revived approach
McLaughlin stated that another 485,000 illegal immigrants have been arrested by DHS since the start of the year.
She described the results as proof that the administration has restored the effectiveness of immigration enforcement agencies.
“This is just the beginning,” McLaughlin said, praising the leadership of President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
She claimed the agencies had been “prevented from fulfilling their duties for the past four years” and were now operating with renewed authority.
Decline in crossings
According to McLaughlin, stronger enforcement measures have already changed migration patterns.
She cited a “99.99 percent drop” in crossings through Panama’s Darién Gap, a route used by migrants heading north.
She added that “illegal immigrants are hearing our message to leave now or face the consequences,” and that many are turning back before reaching the U.S. border.
Administration’s stance
Despite legal challenges, McLaughlin said that Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Coast Guard have made “historic progress” in carrying out the president’s directive to detain and deport those in the country illegally.
Supporters see this as a sign that Trump is delivering on his campaign promises. Meanwhile critics warn that the focus on deportations could create humanitarian and diplomatic strains.
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, which may have used AI in the preparation
