More than 1,000 federal deportation teams are now operating daily across the United States in a heightened enforcement effort by the Trump administration targeting unlawful immigration.
According to Breitbart, the administration's strategy zeroes in on sanctuary cities and criminal-linked job sites as part of a wide-ranging initiative to crack down on illegal immigration, workplace violations, and public safety risks.
In comments made this week, Tom Homan, President Donald Trump's top aide on immigration enforcement, said the United States now has over 1,000 field teams deployed every day. These teams are tasked with apprehending migrants without legal status, particularly in jurisdictions that have policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Homan said communities known as sanctuary cities are of particular concern due to the release of individuals with criminal records back into the public. He said the administration is allocating more resources to those cities to counteract non-compliance from local governments. “Right now, we’re concentrating on the sanctuary cities,” Homan said, noting that these localities frequently release individuals who may pose public safety threats. By contrast, he highlighted Florida as a state where most county sheriffs cooperate with federal authorities, ensuring detention of those flagged for immigration violations.
Focus Intensifies On Criminal-Linked Job Sites
Alongside community enforcement, the administration is conducting targeted operations in the workplace. Homan confirmed that sites such as farms, hotels, and other job locations are being reviewed when there are signs of criminal activity like human trafficking, labor abuse, or financial fraud.
“We’re going to base them on priorities,” Homan said, explaining that those with criminal connections are the top focus. These include cases of tax evasion or trafficking, which, he argued, often intersect with illegal employment practices. He strongly criticized previous leadership for pulling back from worksite inspections, particularly under the Biden administration. According to Homan, such reversals eroded efforts to curb forced labor and exploitation and undermined the nationwide mission to protect migrant workers and legal employees alike.
Migrants With Expired Visas are Also In Scope
The enforcement effort also includes investigations at entry points such as airports. Authorities say individuals who legally enter the U.S. on tourist visas and then take unauthorized work are also being tracked.
Officials have reported that some workers in the trucking and lodging industries have entered on temporary visas but overstayed or worked without authorization. These cases, they say, fall within the broader push for visa enforcement and employer accountability. Homan called on Congress to revise employment authorization rules and improve hiring processes to discourage illegal employment. “There’s a right way and a wrong way to hire,” he said. “Congress needs to address this.”
Impact On the Economy Divides Opinions
While advocates of the policy say the results benefit American workers, others warn the approach may hurt industries dependent on migrant labor. Enforcement pressures have created strains for sectors like farming and hospitality, which often rely on low-wage workers regardless of immigration status.
A recent report from The Washington Post noted a possible demographic shift: The U.S. could soon lose more immigrants than it gains for the first time in half a century. For pro-enforcement advocates, this decline is seen in a positive light, as it may improve wages and ease rising housing costs for American households. However, business leaders argue that strict immigration controls reduce access to needed labor. This has prompted disagreement over whether the policy helps or harms long-term economic growth.
Messaging Battles Over Public Perception
Public opinion about the crackdown is also being actively contested in the media. Pro-immigration advocates contend that aggressive actions could backfire on President Trump politically by energizing opposition and damaging his image, particularly with minority voters.
Homan acknowledged the influence of media portrayals, claiming that coverage often emphasizes emotional images of detained migrants while downplaying violations of law. He argued that these depictions overlook the administration's focus on criminal-linked enforcement rather than indiscriminate deportations. “It’s a matter of messaging properly,” Homan said, asserting that the priorities are clear and targeted. “Criminals come first,” he added, stressing that worksite actions are being done selectively and with an emphasis on safety.
Enforcement Continues Amid Legislative Uncertainty
Despite the surge in daily federal actions, officials estimate that more than 10 million individuals are still living in the United States without legal status. The administration contends that even those who work hard contribute to broader economic disadvantages, such as lower wages, higher rent, and less motivation for businesses to modernize.
Homan emphasized that operations will continue under the current authority but called on lawmakers to provide legislative support to improve employer compliance and close enforcement gaps. He said targeting illegal hiring is key to reducing incentives for unauthorized immigration. The debate over immigration enforcement is likely to remain a major issue heading into the next election cycle, with public safety, economic impact, and humanitarian concerns all playing a role in the national dialogue.
