President Donald Trump has ordered a significant overhaul of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, replacing several high-ranking officials with new leadership and granting increased authority to the U.S. Border Patrol. The move is seen as a bid to intensify immigration enforcement and carry out mass deportations, a goal that has been a cornerstone of Trump's immigration policy.

According to sources, Trump has removed several ICE leaders, including the agency's acting director, and replaced them with new appointees who are expected to take a more aggressive approach to immigration enforcement. The Border Patrol, which has been tasked with securing the nation's borders, will also be granted greater authority to conduct operations in U.S. cities, a move that has raised concerns among immigration advocates.

"This is a clear signal that the administration is doubling down on its hardline immigration policies," said a senior official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "The Border Patrol will be given the resources and authority it needs to carry out its mission, and we expect to see a significant increase in enforcement activities in the coming weeks and months."

The move is seen as a response to criticism from hardliners in the Trump administration, who have long argued that ICE has been too soft on immigration enforcement. "ICE has been a disappointment to many of us who believe in the importance of enforcing our immigration laws," said a senior White House official. "We need to take a more aggressive approach to immigration enforcement, and the Border Patrol is the agency that is best equipped to do that."

The overhaul of ICE comes as the agency is facing criticism for its handling of immigration enforcement, including allegations of abuse and mistreatment of detainees. Immigration advocates have also raised concerns about the increased use of detention centers and the impact on families and communities.

The move is also seen as a bid to appeal to Trump's base, which has been critical of the administration's handling of immigration enforcement. "This is a clear attempt to reassure our supporters that we are committed to enforcing our immigration laws and protecting our borders," said a senior Trump aide.

The current status of the overhaul is unclear, but sources indicate that the new leadership at ICE will be in place by the end of the week. The Border Patrol is expected to begin conducting operations in U.S. cities in the coming weeks, with a focus on areas with high levels of immigration activity.

In a statement, the White House said that the overhaul of ICE is part of a broader effort to strengthen immigration enforcement and protect national security. "The administration is committed to enforcing our immigration laws and protecting our borders, and we will continue to take all necessary steps to achieve that goal," said a spokesperson.

The move has been met with criticism from immigration advocates, who argue that it will lead to increased suffering and trauma for immigrants and their families. "This is a cruel and inhumane policy that will only serve to further divide our communities and undermine our values as a nation," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union.