Trump Admin Moves Fast Along U.S. Border After ICE Makes 538 Arrests

What Happened?

The Trump administration has moved swiftly in its efforts along the U.S. southern border that was deemed a national emergency.

White House officials announced late Thursday on social media, 'The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors.'

Hundreds of others were also flown out of the U.S. on military aircraft.

According to CBS News, two additional flights went to Guatemala overnight Thursday.

President Donald Trump looks to carry out his campaign promise that his administration calls 'the largest massive deportation operation in history.'

Why it Matters

The Trump administration points to the rise in deadly narcotics and other criminal organizations that have flowed across the U.S. border illegally with limited information on precise whereabouts.

According to reports, there were an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. illegally or with temporary status in 2022.

About 44% reportedly lived in states with 'sanctuary' laws that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Newark, New Jersey Mayor Ras Baraka said in a statement Thursday that a U.S. military veteran 'suffered the indignity of having the legitimacy of his military documentation questioned.'

The encounter happened during a local establishment raid by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

'This egregious act is in plain violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution,' Mayor Baraka added.

The Newark mayor is one of the first U.S. officials locally to issue a statement surrounding a specific raid following Trump's launch to crackdown on immigration.

A federal judge temporarily blocked President Trump's executive order to end the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship.

Senior U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour ruled Thursday to block the controversial policy from taking effect for 14 days after hearing arguments from four states.

'I can’t remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one,' Judge Coughenour said during the hearing. 'This is a blatantly unconstitutional order.'

Any child born after Feb. 19 whose parents are not citizens or lawful permanent residents would be subject to deportation and prevented from obtaining Social Security numbers under the order.

More than 150,000 newborn children would be reportedly denied citizenship annually if the order were to stand.

A total of five lawsuits so far have been reportedly filed by 22 states that argue the executive order is a flagrant violation of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

How it Affects You

According to Reuters, some studies suggest immigrants and undocumented immigrants do not commit crimes at a higher rate than native-born Americans.

The likely path to success could involve a balanced approach that protects the views of those who tie the U.S. Constitution at the heart of these efforts.

If not, Trump's efforts to address immigration and the U.S. border may be met with resistance as further lawsuits are likely to continue.