Starting Tuesday, the incoming administration plans to initiate immigration enforcement actions across the U.S., targeting individuals residing in the country illegally. This move signals a significant shift in immigration policy, with a focus on enforcing existing laws. According to incoming border czar Tom Homan, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be operating across its 24 field offices nationwide, prioritizing the apprehension of individuals deemed public safety threats.

While media reports initially highlighted Chicago as a focal point, Homan clarified that the operation will span the entire country. He emphasized that the agency will prioritize individuals posing the greatest threat to public safety but stated that anyone residing in the country illegally could face potential arrest. Current figures indicate over 7 million individuals are on ICE's non-detained docket.

This initiative is part of the administration's broader commitment to heightened border security and a more stringent approach to immigration enforcement. While the primary focus will be on individuals with criminal records, the administration has indicated that anyone in the U.S. illegally is potentially subject to arrest.

The administration anticipates resistance from sanctuary cities, which have historically declined to cooperate with ICE detainer requests. Officials in several jurisdictions, including Chicago, Massachusetts, and Arizona, have already expressed their unwillingness to collaborate with the new administration's enforcement efforts. However, there are indications of potential cooperation in certain areas, as exemplified by New York City Mayor Eric Adams' meeting with Homan to discuss collaborative efforts in removing illegal immigrants convicted of violent crimes.

In recent Congressional testimony, DHS nominee Kristi Noem expressed support for the planned deportation operation and increased border security measures. She also indicated the administration's intention to immediately discontinue the use of the CBP One app, a tool currently used to parole migrants into the U.S.