Trump plans massive immigration raids in 2026 amid criticism - Reuters

Trump is preparing a large-scale expansion of workplace immigration raids, an increase in ICE and Border Patrol agents, and the opening of new detention centers.

An additional $170 billion in funding through 2029 will allow the government to expand deportations and strengthen control over illegal immigration.

"People are beginning to see this not as an immigration question anymore as much as it is a violation of rights, a violation of due process, and militarizing neighborhoods extraconstitutionally," said moderate Republican political strategist Mike Madrid.

Trump has also broadened the list of people eligible for deportation, including Haitians, Venezuelans, and Afghans. He set a target of deporting about 1 million people annually, although by the end of 2025, only around 622,000 immigrants had been removed.

The administration plans raids not only against illegal immigrants but also against employers who hire them.

"US businesses have been reluctant to push back on Trump's immigration crackdown in the past year, but could be prompted to speak up if the focus turns to employers," said Sarah Pierce, director of social policy at the center-left group Third Way.

Immigration policy

Trump's aggressive immigration control measures began after his return to the White House, amid high levels of illegal immigration during the previous president's term.

Federal raids have already sparked protests and lawsuits over violent methods and racial profiling. Additional measures could significantly impact the economy, jobs, and the political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

In Charlotte, North Carolina, federal immigration agents conducted a large-scale operation that detained at least 81 people for immigration violations.

Meanwhile, EU countries have agreed on stricter rules for granting asylum and returning migrants, paving the way for one of the largest migration reforms in recent years.

Germany is also tightening migration controls: deportations are being simplified, and citizenship requirements are being strengthened, directly affecting foreigners and the naturalization process.