President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown has entered a new and more aggressive phase, with nationwide arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) climbing sharply. The increase has fueled a storm of controversy, with critics alleging that the administration is targeting not just dangerous criminals but also ordinary undocumented immigrants without criminal records. Supporters counter that the president is fulfilling campaign promises to enforce immigration law without exceptions.

In Chicago, one of the largest operations in recent months led to more than 500 arrests in less than two weeks. Federal officials described the action as necessary to target individuals with prior convictions or deportation orders. However, local leaders and immigrant rights groups noted that many of those arrested had no serious criminal history, sparking accusations that the sweeps were indiscriminate. Continues…