The Trump administration is mobilizing an unprecedented deportation effort, deploying thousands of federal agents and National Guard troops in what could become the largest immigration crackdown of the presidency.
According to The Independent, the operation, dubbed "Operation at Large," calls for 5,000 federal agents from multiple agencies and 21,000 National Guard members to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in mass arrests.
The plan follows a contentious meeting in May where White House adviser Stephen Miller reportedly pressured ICE officials to drastically increase arrests, threatening job terminations for underperforming field offices. While the Defense Department has yet to approve the National Guard deployment, the administration insists the operation is necessary to fulfill President Trump’s hardline immigration promises.
Miller and Noem Push for Aggressive Arrest Targets
During a tense May 21 meeting at ICE headquarters, Miller and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanded agents increase daily arrests to 3,000—triple the rate at the start of Trump’s presidency. Miller, known as the architect of the administration’s strict immigration policies, allegedly berated staff and warned that field offices with the lowest arrest numbers could face firings.
Noem took a more measured approach but echoed the urgency, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to ramping up deportations. The aggressive targets have reportedly caused friction within ICE, with some agents concerned about being pulled from other critical law enforcement duties.
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended the administration’s stance, stating: “Keeping President Trump’s promise to deport illegal aliens is something the Administration takes seriously. We are committed to aggressively and efficiently removing illegal aliens from the United States.”
Multi-Agency Mobilization Sparks Controversy
"Operation at Large" would involve 3,000 ICE agents, 2,000 Justice Department personnel (including FBI and DEA officers), 500 Customs and Border Protection staff, and 250 IRS employees. The inclusion of non-immigration agencies has raised concerns about diverting resources from other national security priorities.
The proposed deployment of 21,000 National Guard troops remains unapproved, with the Pentagon yet to sign off. Critics argue that militarizing immigration enforcement could escalate tensions and lead to civil rights violations. Meanwhile, immigration advocates warn that mass arrests could separate families and target individuals with no criminal records.
The operation reflects the administration’s broader strategy to tighten immigration controls, including recent high-profile raids in California and efforts to deport relatives of suspects involved in violent crimes.
Internal Tensions Over Enforcement Priorities
Sources describe growing unease among federal agents reassigned to immigration duties, with some feeling their primary missions—such as counterterrorism and drug enforcement—are being sidelined. The Trump administration, however, maintains that curbing illegal immigration is a national security imperative.
Miller’s aggressive tactics have drawn criticism from within ICE, where some officials argue that threats and unrealistic quotas could undermine morale and lead to rushed indiscriminate arrests. Despite internal pushback, the White House shows no signs of scaling back its plans.
The operation also follows a pattern of escalating enforcement under Trump, including policies like "zero tolerance," which led to family separations and the expansion of expedited removals.
What Comes Next for Immigration Crackdown
The Trump administration’s latest deportation push, if fully implemented, would mark one of the largest immigration enforcement actions in U.S. history. With 5,000 federal agents and potentially 21,000 National Guard troops involved, the operation could lead to widespread arrests across major cities.
Legal challenges and public backlash are expected, particularly if arrests result in family separations or target non-violent immigrants. The Pentagon’s decision on National Guard deployment will be a critical factor in determining the operation’s scope.
As the administration doubles down on its immigration agenda, the debate over enforcement tactics and priorities is likely to intensify in the coming months.
