By Blessing Nweke

Former President Donald Trump has ordered a sweeping expansion of migrant detention and deportation across the United States, as nationwide protests continue to erupt in opposition to his immigration policies.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump directed federal agencies to launch what he called “the single largest mass deportation programme in history,” explicitly naming Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York as targets. These cities have seen large-scale protests since 6 June, following a surge in raids on undocumented migrants.

“I’ve directed the entire administration to put every resource possible behind this effort,” Trump wrote, pledging to bar anyone “who undermines the domestic tranquility of the United States” from entering the country. He addressed agencies including the DEA and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), telling them, “you have my unwavering support. Now go, get the job done!”

The announcement came a day after coast-to-coast demonstrations led by the “No Kings” movement, coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday and a military parade in Washington D.C. to mark 250 years of the U.S. Army. A shooting at a protest in Salt Lake City left one person dead.

Trump’s order targets sanctuary cities — jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement — intensifying tensions between federal and local governments. Officials in these cities continue to defend their policies as legal and humanitarian.

Despite campaign pledges and early public support for stricter immigration controls during the 2024 election, protests against the expanding deportation programme have grown. The move follows a temporary pause in workplace immigration raids, as reported by Reuters, suggesting a tactical shift in federal enforcement priorities.

Trump’s decision has ignited fresh legal challenges and drawn criticism for his use of military force against domestic protests.