In June 2025, President Donald Trump announced the intensification of immigration raids in the main sanctuary cities of the United States. According to his statements, this is the “largest deportation operation in the history of the country”, focused mainly on metropolises such as Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, where a large number of undocumented immigrants reside.
The operation is part of the federal strategy called Operation Safeguard, which formally began earlier this year and involves the massive deployment of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents in jurisdictions that have limited cooperation with federal authorities in immigration matters.
What are sanctuary cities?
Sanctuary cities are municipalities or states that adopt policies to limit collaboration with ICE.
Avoid detaining or turning over undocumented immigrants for immigration violations only.
In many cases, immigrant data is protected and access to municipal facilities is denied for deportation purposes.
Places such as California, Illinois and New York have maintained this type of policy, which has generated a strong confrontation with the federal government.
Protests in Los Angeles
Since the new phase of raids began in June, there have been massive protests in Latino neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
Civil rights advocates and community groups have taken to the streets denouncing the excessive use of force, arbitrary detentions and separation of families.
Trump announced the intensification of immigration raids in major sanctuary cities
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom have condemned the White House action.
They describe it as “unnecessary, punitive and politically motivated”.
Similarly, local leaders in Chicago and New York have expressed their rejection.
It should be noted that a federal judge partially blocked the decision to federalize the National Guard in California, an action that Trump pushed through without consulting local governments.
Platforms and support resources
In the face of this crisis, various organizations are providing immediate assistance to affected immigrants:
Mexican Consulates have activated the Ventanillas de Atención Integral al Migrante (VAIM).
Organizations such as RAICES, CHIRLA and United We Dream offer free legal advice.
24/7 phone lines have been opened for immigration emergencies.
There are information campaigns on “know your rights” and assistance to separated families.
These actions seek to mitigate the damage that the immigration operation has caused and to empower those facing the threat of deportation.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
