As of January 31, 2025, President Donald Trump has intensified immigration enforcement, leading to over 5,000 arrests since his inauguration on January 20. His administration's focus remains on detaining and deporting immigrants with criminal backgrounds.
On January 29, Trump signed the Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants charged with crimes. During the bill signing, Trump announced plans to open a detention center in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to hold 'dangerous criminals' and those difficult to deport.
In Colombia, a recently deported woman shared her traumatic experience of being held for eight days without proper food, urging fellow migrants not to attempt to enter the United States. Her return coincided with a diplomatic incident where Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused to allow two planes carrying deported individuals from the Trump administration to land due to their shackled conditions.
Additionally, Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Mexican goods starting February 1, 2025, as a response to perceived inaction against drug trafficking and illegal immigration. This move has prompted reactions from former Mexican President Vicente Fox, who acknowledged the need for a stronger response to crime.
In New York, law enforcement has arrested members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which Trump labeled as terrorists. A recent operation resulted in the confiscation of 34 firearms and multiple arrests across several states, highlighting the administration's focus on combating organized crime linked to immigration issues.