President Trump is set to sign two executive orders on Monday aimed at intensifying his immigration enforcement efforts, including one targeting local jurisdictions that the administration claims are not cooperating with its aggressive deportation strategies.
These orders represent Mr. Trump’s latest strike against what are referred to as sanctuary cities—areas that limit or refuse to engage with federal authorities regarding the detention of undocumented immigrants. Frustration has mounted within the administration as some localities do not keep migrants in custody past their release dates, complicating federal detention efforts.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, noted on Monday that one executive order will instruct Pam Bondi, the attorney general, and Kristi Noem, the secretary of homeland security, to publish a list of state and local jurisdictions deemed as “sanctuary cities” by the Trump administration, while also pursuing legal action against officials obstructing enforcement.
Ms. Leavitt also mentioned that the second executive order will “empower America’s law enforcement to tackle criminal activities.” According to the New York Post, this order is expected to cover legal backing for officers facing allegations of misconduct and the provision of military-grade equipment for local police departments.
The Trump administration has already initiated a lawsuit against the city of Rochester, N.Y., claiming officials there are unlawfully hindering immigration enforcement. Additionally, the Justice Department is prosecuting a judge in Milwaukee on charges of obstructing immigration agents.
Rochester’s mayor, Malik D. Evans, and City Council president, Miguel Meléndez, issued a joint statement on Friday denouncing the lawsuit.
“The complaint appears to be a political stunt rather than a legal document,” the statement asserted, adding, “The City of Rochester is focused on using its resources for public safety for everyone, not on enforcing federal immigration laws.”
Meanwhile, a federal judge in San Francisco has temporarily prevented the government from enforcing part of an executive directive requiring agencies to withhold funding from non-compliant cities and counties regarding federal immigration enforcement.
“The message is straightforward,” Ms. Leavitt declared on Monday. “Follow the law, uphold the law, and do not obstruct federal immigration and law enforcement authorities who are merely trying to protect public safety in our communities.”
The announcement of the executive orders comes as Mr. Trump’s second term approaches its 100th day, on Tuesday. The White House has organized a week of events highlighting his achievements thus far, starting with his immigration policy initiatives.
On Monday morning, the White House lawn was filled with mug shot-style posters of undocumented individuals arrested on criminal charges.
During a morning news briefing, Tom Homan, the Trump administration’s border chief, stated that 139,000 deportations have taken place. This number falls short compared to the final year of the Biden administration, which seemed to frustrate Mr. Homan.
He claimed the numbers would have been higher; however, decreased border crossings have led to fewer individuals to deport.
“Am I satisfied with that? The figures are decent,” he remarked, adding: “I follow the media narrative, ‘Oh, ICE deportations lag behind the Biden administration.’ Well, the reason is they computed border removals.”
Mr. Homan also indicated that, starting Tuesday, the administration will enforce its plan requiring undocumented immigrants aged 14 and older to register and provide fingerprints to the U.S. government, or else face potential criminal prosecution.