The United States has launched a sweeping crackdown on undocumented immigrants, with federal authorities detaining 956 individuals last Sunday.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted the arrests in multiple cities, including Chicago, Newark, and Miami, reports the BBC.
This marks the highest number of arrests in a single day since Donald Trump assumed office as president.
Since Trump’s inauguration, nationwide immigration enforcement has been significantly intensified.
Under his administration’s stringent policies, the federal government has sought to overhaul the country’s immigration system.
Tom Homan, the official dubbed "Trump’s Border Czar," was present in Chicago to oversee the latest operations.
His presence, however, was met with criticism from local Democratic leaders.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson confirmed the ICE-led raids but clarified that the city’s police force was not involved. He also urged residents to be aware of their rights.
Similar operations unfolded in Miami, where Homeland Security Investigation officials reported multiple raids.
A Miami resident, speaking anonymously to CBS News, recounted how his wife was taken by ICE during the crackdown.
"What they are doing is appalling and deeply humiliating," he stated.
According to him, his wife was in the process of obtaining citizenship when she was detained.
"They simply came in and took her away," he added.
Newark, New Jersey, also saw ICE operations over the past week.
Mayor Ras Baraka criticised the federal agency, alleging that it had conducted arrests without proper warrants and detained both undocumented residents and legal citizens.
Immigration lawyers have raised concerns that ICE’s indiscriminate operations may result in the detention of not only undocumented individuals but also lawful residents and US citizens.
Homan, however, defended the crackdown, stating that those arrested without proper documentation would be deported to their respective countries.
Speaking to ABC News, he indicated that the number of arrests and deportations is expected to rise further, with the primary objective being public safety and national security.
The latest raids come as part of a broader enforcement push.
On Saturday, 286 individuals were detained, following the arrest of 653 on Friday and 538 on Thursday.
