Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced a significant restructuring in its Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) department in May 2025.
These changes seek to intensify actions to locate, detain and deport undocumented immigrants, in line with the goals established by President Donald Trump’s administration.
Leadership restructuring at ICE
On May 29, 2025, ICE reported a reorganization in its leadership, highlighting the departure of Kenneth Genalo, who was serving as interim director of ERO.
Genalo will retire and continue to serve as a special government employee.
Also, Robert Hammer, acting head of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), will be reassigned to another leadership position. Marcos Charles and Derek Gordon will assume the interim directorships of ERO and HSI, respectively.
Arrest and deportation objectives
The Trump administration has set an ambitious goal: to reach a minimum of 3,000 daily arrests of undocumented immigrants, surpassing the initial figure of 1,800 per day proposed in January.
This objective is part of an effort to execute the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, focusing especially on immigrants with criminal records or current deportation orders.
Changes in application policies
In January 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a directive allowing ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to conduct enforcement actions in or near areas previously considered protected, such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship.
This measure revokes previous memoranda that limited such actions in these sensitive locations.
In addition, ICE has intensified detention operations across the country, including arrests in courthouses and immigration offices, raising concerns about possible violations of due process and access to essential services by immigrant communities.
La meta de la administración de Trump es aumentar significativamente el número de arrestos y deportaciones de indocumentados
What immigrants should know
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For Hispanic immigrants in the United States, these changes represent an increased risk of detention and deportation, even for those with no criminal record or pending asylum applications.
It is essential that people know their rights and seek appropriate legal advice.
Immigrant rights organizations recommend:
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Know and exercise the right to silence: You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status without the presence of an attorney.
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Request a warrant: Do not open the door to ICE agents without a warrant signed by a judge.
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Have an emergency plan: Include contacts for lawyers, family and friends who can assist in case of arrest.
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Attend workshops and legal clinics: Many organizations offer free resources to prepare communities for possible encounters with immigration authorities.
It is crucial to stay informed about current immigration policies and seek support from reliable organizations to protect your rights and those of your family.
Find out more at ‘QueOnnda.com’.
