Washington: With the tightening of immigration laws under President Donald Trump’s administration, deportations from the United States have reached record levels, according to a report. Data released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicates that 4,83,200 people were deported from the U.S. during the 2026 fiscal year. The report claims that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out the highest number of deportations in 23 years. The numbers pertain to the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. Compared to previous years, there has been a significant increase in the number of deportations.
The rise is attributed to the Trump administration’s measures aimed at controlling illegal immigration and strengthening the country’s border security. According to the report, in 2014, when Barack Obama was president, 4,05,090 people were deported from the U.S. The 2026 figures far exceed that number. Compared to the 4,42,640 deportations recorded in the previous year, this marks an increase of approximately 9 percent.
The report also states that deportations have increased by 78 percent compared to 2024, the final fiscal year under Joe Biden’s administration. This change is seen as a reflection of the Trump administration’s strict approach to enforcing immigration laws. ICE officials intensified inspections and arrests across various states to identify those residing illegally. Efforts to detect immigration violations at workplaces, residences, and public spaces were expanded as well. Human rights organizations have pointed out that these actions have caused widespread anxiety among immigrant families.
During his election campaign, Trump declared that deportations would primarily target individuals involved in serious crimes and those deemed threats to public safety. However, critics argue that actual practices differ from this claim. Reports from July indicate that only about one-third of deported immigrants had criminal backgrounds. This has led to strong allegations that many deportations also affect those not involved in serious criminal activities.
Immigrant rights organizations have expressed concern that people who have lived and worked in the U.S. for years, along with their families, are increasingly falling under the scope of these actions. Questions have arisen about whether legal procedures are properly followed and whether deportees are given sufficient opportunity to explain their cases.
As enforcement has intensified, protests have erupted in various American cities, including Minneapolis. Immigrant rights activists, social groups, and human rights coalitions have organized demonstrations. While protesters recognize the necessity of immigration law enforcement, they demand that measures avoid affecting innocent families. They warn that separating family members and abruptly deporting long-term residents could cause serious social repercussions.
In response to strong protests, reports suggest changes in immigration enforcement tactics, with reduced public raids and greater reliance on unannounced inspections. This approach has also been criticized.
The hardline immigration policies under the Trump administration have sparked significant debate in American politics. Immigration control, border security, and human rights protection became central issues during the 2026 midterm elections. Political analysts note that widespread enforcement actions and their social impacts have increased dissatisfaction with the administration among certain voter groups, potentially benefiting the Democratic Party politically.
However, observers caution that election outcomes cannot be explained by immigration policy alone, as economic conditions and other domestic issues also influenced voter decisions. Meanwhile, Republican leaders and Trump supporters maintain that strong measures are essential to ensure national security and control illegal immigration.
Following the release of record-high deportation figures, discussions about America’s immigration policies have intensified. Various organizations emphasize the need to protect the legal rights and human rights of immigrants while ensuring border security. Human rights activists call for transparency and fairness in enforcement. They argue that the social and economic impacts of deportations on families, workers, and local economies require further examination.
The Trump administration's immigration policy is expected to remain a key and contentious topic in American politics in the coming months.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
