January 24, 2025: In a sweeping crackdown on undocumented immigrants, U.S. authorities have arrested 538 individuals and deported hundreds, fulfilling President Donald Trump’s campaign promise to prioritize stricter immigration policies in his second term.

Karoline Leavitt, Trump's press secretary, confirmed the details in a series of posts on the social media platform X. She highlighted the arrest of “538 illegal immigrant criminals,” including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and individuals convicted of sex crimes against minors.

Leavitt further stated that hundreds of these individuals had been deported using military aircraft. “The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept,” she declared.

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) corroborated these claims, adding that 373 detainers for criminal non-citizens had been lodged in various jails across the country.

This crackdown follows a series of executive orders signed by President Trump on his first day back in office, aimed at tightening border security and expediting the deportation process for undocumented immigrants.

Raids were conducted in various parts of the country, including Newark, New Jersey, a self-designated sanctuary city. Reports indicate that not only undocumented immigrants but also legal residents were detained during the operations.

Ras Baraka, the mayor of Newark, condemned the actions, stating, “Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized.” Baraka emphasized the city’s commitment to protecting its residents from what he termed overreach by federal authorities.

This latest move underscores the administration’s hardline approach to immigration, reigniting debates over its impact on immigrant communities and its adherence to legal and ethical standards. Critics argue that such measures may lead to the unfair targeting of vulnerable populations, while supporters view it as a necessary step toward national security and law enforcement.