Trump Administration Unleashes $75 Billion Deportation Drive Amid Global Backlash

Trump's Immigration Police State Expands at Alarming Rate In a move that has sparked widespread concern among human rights advocates and immigrant communities, the Trump administration has accelerated its mass deportation campaign with the help of nearly $75 billion in funding from Congress. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), passed in June, has enabled Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to hire thousands of new agents and build 50 new detention centers by the end of the year. According to data obtained by Mother Jones, ICE has signed over 1,000 so-called 287(g) agreements with local law enforcement agencies nationwide, a 641 percent increase from the 135 deals in place at the end of the Biden presidency. These agreements deputize local police and jails to perform certain immigration enforcement functions, effectively expanding the reach of the Trump administration's deportation efforts. "This is a recipe for disaster," said Andrea RENAULT, a human rights expert with the Star Max organization. "By partnering with local law enforcement, ICE is able to tap into a vast network of agents who are often poorly trained and equipped to handle sensitive immigration cases." The OBBB funding has also enabled ICE to increase its hiring spree, with 30 billion dollars allocated for enforcement and deportation efforts. This has led to a surge in arrests and deportations, particularly among asylum seekers and immigrant communities. "It's like a war zone out here," said Maria Rodriguez, a community organizer in Los Angeles. "People are living in fear of being picked up by ICE at any moment. It's not just about immigration enforcement; it's about creating a culture of terror." The expansion of the 287(g) program has also raised concerns among international human rights organizations. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed alarm over the Trump administration's treatment of asylum seekers, citing reports of "inhumane" conditions in detention centers. "The US is setting a bad example for other countries," said a UNHCR spokesperson. "By prioritizing enforcement over protection and dignity, the Trump administration is undermining the principles of international human rights law." As the number of 287(g) agreements continues to grow, immigrant communities are bracing themselves for increased scrutiny and repression. Activists are calling on Congress to take action to rein in ICE's powers and protect the rights of asylum seekers. Background: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was passed by Congress in June with bipartisan support. The legislation allocated $75 billion to ICE, with 30 billion dollars dedicated to enforcement and deportation efforts. The remaining funds will be used to build new detention centers and expand existing facilities. International Context: The expansion of the 287(g) program has sparked concern among international human rights organizations, which have criticized the Trump administration's treatment of asylum seekers. The UNHCR has expressed alarm over reports of "inhumane" conditions in detention centers and has called on the US to prioritize protection and dignity. Next Developments: As the number of 287(g) agreements continues to grow, immigrant communities are bracing themselves for increased scrutiny and repression. Activists are calling on Congress to take action to rein in ICE's powers and protect the rights of asylum seekers. The Trump administration has shown no signs of slowing its deportation efforts, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for immigrant communities in the US. *Reporting by Motherjones.*