The Donald Trump administration reactivated ICE's immigration operations in key sectors of the U.S. economy, eliminating the recent exceptions applied to places such as restaurants, hotels, and agricultural work centers.
The measure was revealed in an internal memorandum from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), obtained by NBC News and cited by the network Telemundo 51, and confirms a shift in deportation policy following the brief pause announced last week.
Although the new guidelines suspend arrests within workplaces, they do not prevent ICE agents from detaining workers in their communities, confirmed two sources connected to the operation, noted Telemundo 51.
ICE acknowledges that this new modality could impact their arrest statistics, according to what is outlined in the memorandum.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that there will be no "safe spaces" for industries that employ undocumented individuals, the television network reported.
"Immigration control in workplaces remains a fundamental pillar of our efforts to safeguard public safety, national security, and economic stability," he said.
The operations, he insisted, focus on “networks of illegal employment that harm American workers, destabilize labor markets, and expose critical infrastructure to exploitation.”
From the White House, an official stated that President Donald Trump plans to implement "the largest mass deportation program in history."
According to reports, the offensive will particularly focus on the "sanctuary cities" governed by Democrats, although the aim is to enforce immigration law nationwide.
"Anyone who is in the United States without documents runs the risk of being deported," she stated.
This stance reverses the more conciliatory tone that Trump showed days earlier when he expressed a willingness to exempt sectors such as agriculture and hospitality, after receiving complaints about the loss of valuable and irreplaceable workers.
"Our farmers and the hotel and leisure sector have been stating that our aggressive immigration policy is taking away very valuable and experienced workers," he wrote on his Truth social media platform.
The reactivation of operations in sensitive sectors, where thousands of migrant workers— including many Cubans—are concentrated, intensifies the climate of uncertainty and fear in vulnerable communities.
Recently, in a message posted on his Truth Social network, President Donald Trump defended his aggressive immigration policy, despite the fact that its impact is already being strongly felt in the real economy.
What should be a cause for alarm—the de-capitalization of essential productive sectors—is for him a political victory.
"Our farmers and those in the hospitality and leisure sector have been stating that our aggressive immigration policy is taking away excellent workers with extensive experience, and that those jobs are nearly impossible to replace," he wrote on his Truth Social network.
Instead of acknowledging the harm caused by their policies, he insisted that the criminals who were allowed to enter the country due to Biden's "absurd open borders policy" are the ones seeking those jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Intensification of ICE Operations under the Trump Administration
Why did the Trump administration decide to reactivate ICE operations in key sectors of the economy?
The Trump administration seeks to intensify immigration control in sectors where undocumented workers are employed, arguing that this safeguards public security and stabilizes the economy. However, this policy has raised concerns in sectors such as agriculture and hospitality, which greatly depend on immigrant labor.
What are the economic consequences of ICE raids in the United States?
The raids have caused a significant decrease in the workforce in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and healthcare. This reduction of essential workers has impacted productivity and resulted in economic losses, as many immigrants prefer to stay home out of fear of being deported.
What impact do Trump's immigration policies have on immigrant communities?
Trump's immigration policies have created a climate of fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities, causing many individuals to avoid leaving their homes or going to work. This has resulted in a negative impact on both the daily lives of immigrants and the local economy.
How do mass deportation policies affect businesses in the United States?
Mass deportation policies severely impact businesses that rely on immigrant labor, resulting in a significant loss of workers. Sectors such as agriculture and construction are facing a labor shortage, which could lead to rising costs and affect the country's economic competitiveness.
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