500 Arrested as Mass Deportation Begins in U.S. Days After Trump Takes Office

Following Donald Trump’s inauguration, U.S. authorities have begun a mass deportation campaign, resulting in the arrest of 500 individuals, sparking national controversy.

U.S. authorities have arrested 538 people in a large-scale immigration operation and deported hundreds of undocumented migrants shortly after President Donald Trump began his second term, as stated by his press secretary on Thursday.

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt shared on social media platform X that “the Trump Administration arrested 538 criminals who were illegal immigrants,” and mentioned that “hundreds” had been deported via military aircraft.

“The most extensive deportation operation in history is currently progressing. Promises were made, and promises have been kept,” she stated.

Having highlighted stricter immigration enforcement during his campaign, Trump has begun his second term with a series of executive orders aimed at strengthening U.S. border controls.

As part of the measures, he has declared a “national emergency” at the southern border, directed additional troops to be stationed there, and reiterated his commitment to deporting “criminal aliens.”

Newark City Mayor Ras J. Baraka expressed criticism of the actions taken, stating on Thursday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents “conducted a raid at a local establishment… detaining both undocumented residents and citizens without presenting a warrant.”

Earlier this week, the Republican-controlled U.S. Congress passed legislation designed to enhance pretrial detention for foreign criminal suspects.