President Donald Trump told 60 Minutes that his immigration enforcement might have been “too tough” and expressed a willingness to sit down with congressional leaders after the GOP’s midterm losses. Yet the reality on the ground shows that immigration arrests are proceeding unabated across the country.
Federal officials reaffirm ongoing enforcement
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin posted online the day after the election that ICE “takes no days off,” noting that deportations continue even on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Election Day. The Department of Homeland Security declined to explain a recent deployment of masked, body‑armored officers at a Los Angeles hospital, but Justice Department prosecutor Bill Essayli said the agents were transporting a detainee for medical treatment and that two individuals were arrested for assaulting federal officers.
Local incidents illustrate the continued crackdown
In Los Angeles, officers blocked the driveway of Adventist Health White Memorial Medical Center, prompting concern among residents. Hospital president Daniel Fontoura emphasized that the facility does not participate in immigration enforcement and remains focused on patient care.
In central Alabama, twin 19‑year‑old brothers from Venezuela were stopped while driving back to Wallace State Community College in Hanceville. Both have pending asylum applications and work permits, but ICE officials said they had “overstayed in defiance of our laws” and will face an immigration judge.
Florida saw a married couple from Orlando arrested at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport while traveling to a funeral. Both men hold work permits and have been seeking asylum for six years. DHS described the arrest as part of a “targeted enforcement operation” and assured that the pair will receive due process.
In San Diego, an eight‑year‑old Haitian boy was taken into custody after his uncle, who is not his legal guardian, brought him to an ICE office. Local school officials and a pastor from the Fairmount Haitian Community Church argued that the child’s education should not be disrupted, while ICE defended its actions as lawful.
Advocates and community members voice concern
María Bilbao, a campaign coordinator for the American Friends Service Committee in Miami, reported daily calls from detained individuals, saying, “Everything remains exactly the same. The arrests have not ceased at all.” Community activists in multiple cities described the arrests as harmful to families and children.
Despite these criticisms, the Trump administration has not altered ICE’s operational directives. The President’s recent appointment of Stephen Miller as chief of staff signals continuity in the hard‑line immigration agenda, even as Trump publicly hints at a more collaborative tone.
What this means for families and communities
For families with members in immigration proceedings, the continued arrests underscore the importance of legal representation and staying informed about due‑process rights. Local faith groups and community organizations continue to provide support, but the federal enforcement posture remains firm.
As the new Congress convenes under Democratic control, the administration’s message is clear: immigration enforcement will not pause, and the President’s personal reflections do not translate into policy changes at this time.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
