Trump escalates deportation drive targeting Democratic-led cities

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered immigration officials to expand deportation operations in major cities, prompting nationwide protests and clashes.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Sunday that he has instructed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to intensify immigration raids across America’s largest cities, particularly those governed by Democrats.

In a social media post, Trump called for the "largest Mass Deportation Program in History," naming cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York as top targets. He said these areas are "the core of the Democrat Power Center" and contain "millions upon millions of illegal aliens."

Trump also directed law enforcement to focus on "crime-ridden" inner cities and sanctuary city jurisdictions. He claimed sanctuary cities are not part of America's "heartland."

The announcement comes as protests continue across the country in response to the administration’s immigration policies. Over the weekend, an estimated two million people participated in “No Kings” demonstrations in roughly 2,000 locations, calling for an end to the deportation push.

While most protests remained peaceful, violence was reported. A protester was fatally shot in Utah. In Virginia, a man was arrested after allegedly driving into a dispersing crowd in Culpeper, injuring at least one demonstrator. Police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Joseph R. Checklick Jr. of Culpeper.

The White House has not commented on the incidents.

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