Trump Plans Expanded Immigration Crackdown as Political Backlash Grows

Trump Plans Expanded Immigration Crackdown as Political Backlash Grows
…………

U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing a significantly expanded immigration enforcement campaign in 2026, backed by billions of dollars in new funding, even as political resistance intensifies ahead of next year’s midterm elections, Reuters reported. The plan includes a broader use of workplace raids, increased detention capacity and a sharp rise in deportations.

Congress has approved roughly $170 billion in additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol through September 2029, a major increase over their current budgets. Administration officials say the funds will be used to hire thousands of new agents, open detention centers, expand arrests in local jails and partner with private firms to locate people without legal status.

Federal agents have already intensified operations in major U.S. cities, triggering protests and legal challenges. While earlier enforcement largely avoided farms and factories, officials now confirm that workplace raids will increase. White House border czar Tom Homan said arrests are expected to rise sharply as staffing and detention capacity expand.

The tougher approach comes amid growing voter unease. Trump’s approval rating on immigration has declined, and recent local elections suggest backlash in immigrant-heavy areas. Critics warn that aggressive tactics, including masked raids and detentions of U.S. citizens, raise civil liberties concerns. Data show a growing share of those detained have no criminal record beyond alleged immigration violations.

The administration has also revoked temporary protections and legal statuses for hundreds of thousands of immigrants. Analysts warn that expanded workplace enforcement could disrupt businesses, raise labor costs and complicate economic and political calculations as the 2026 elections approach.