More than 7,300 immigrants in the United States have been deported in handcuffs and shackles as part of a mass deportation drive ordered by President Donald Trump.
The operation, carried out by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has sparked widespread criticism over the treatment of deportees and the use of military planes for the process.
Since President Trump signed an executive order on immigration, joint teams from the Immigration Department, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), FBI, and other federal agencies have arrested over 10,000 illegal immigrants across the country. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that military aircraft and other resources have been used to deport large numbers of individuals, particularly from Latin American countries like Venezuela and Colombia.
In a televised interview, Vance stated that the Trump administration aims to arrest and deport 1,800 illegal immigrants per day until the operation concludes. This aggressive approach has created a wave of fear and panic among immigrant communities nationwide.
Night Raids and Arrests
Every night, joint teams of officers raid homes, businesses, schools, and even churches in various cities to arrest and deport illegal immigrants. Major cities like New York and Chicago, traditionally considered safe havens for immigrants, are now witnessing widespread fear and arrests.
The Trump administration claims the campaign aims to provide American citizens a crime-free and secure environment. However, the crackdown has led to an atmosphere of anxiety, with many immigrants avoiding work and keeping their children out of school due to fear of arrest.
Impact on Immigrant Communities
According to US media reports, the raids have disrupted daily life for many immigrant families. Some Pakistanis residing illegally in the US were also arrested, with fewer than 10 Pakistanis detained in California.
Currently, over 1 million immigrants live in the US without legal status, and deportation orders have been issued for 1.4 million individuals. The scale and intensity of the operation have drawn criticism from human rights advocates and immigrant support groups.
The use of military planes and the harsh conditions under which deportees are transported have raised ethical and legal questions. Critics argue that the campaign undermines the rights and dignity of immigrants, many of whom have lived in the US for years and contributed to their communities.
