US poised to target thousands of migrant families in deportation operation previously delayed by Donald Trump
- Activists ramp up efforts to protect migrants, prepare to stage demonstrations
- US president earlier announced push to deport ‘millions’ from US, but postponed raids while lawmakers worked to pass US$4.6 billion border aid package
A nationwide immigration enforcement operation targeting thousands of families who are in the United States illegally is expected to begin this weekend after it was postponed last month by US President Donald Trump, according to two administration officials and immigrant activists.
The operation, which has sparked outrage and concern among immigrant-rights advocates, would target people with final deportation orders, including families whose immigration cases were fast-tracked by judges in 10 major cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Miami.
“Our communities have been in constant fear,” Estela Vara, a Chicago-area organiser said on Thursday at a rally outside the city’s Immigration and Custom Enforcement offices where some activists chanted: “Immigration Not Deportation!”
The sweep remains in flux and could begin later, according to the administration officials, who were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Still, the American Civil Liberties Union pre-emptively filed a lawsuit Thursday in an attempt to protect asylum seekers.
Meanwhile, activists ramped up efforts to prepare by bolstering know-your-rights pocket guides, circulating information about hotlines and planning public demonstrations. Vigils outside detention centres were set for Friday, to be followed by protests Saturday in Miami and Chicago.