Trump Expands ICE Powers to Expedite Deportation of Immigrants with Humanitarian Parole

President Donald Trump has granted new authority to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to rapidly deport immigrants who entered the United States under the humanitarian parole and CBP One programs, which were implemented during Joe Biden's administration. An internal memo from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as revealed by The New York Times, indicates that this move aims to tighten immigration control policies and increase restrictions on those who accessed the U.S. through these initiatives.

Signed on Thursday by Benjamine C. Huffman, the acting head of the DHS, the document instructs ICE officials to utilize expanded powers to deport beneficiaries of these programs, even if they comply with conditions established by Biden’s immigration policies. This decision impacts over 1.46 million individuals who have entered the country with temporary permits since January 2023.

Scrutiny on Immigration Programs

The humanitarian parole was a significant measure introduced by Biden in October 2022 for Venezuelans, and in January 2023 it was extended to include Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans. Approximately 531,690 immigrants from these nationalities were able to legally enter the country, including 110,240 Cubans. This permit allowed them to reside temporarily in the U.S., with options to regularize their status under certain conditions.

Conversely, the CBP One program, which allowed migrants to apply for asylum through a mobile application, facilitated the entry of more than 904,500 people. Now, with the DHS memo, ICE can revoke these temporary permits and proceed with deportation, even if individuals have not exhausted their legal stay or have pending cases in immigration courts.

Toughening U.S. Immigration Policies

Since returning to power, Trump has aggressively pursued actions to fulfill his campaign promises related to immigration and national security. One of his first executive orders was to dismantle the humanitarian parole and CBP One programs, justifying these measures as necessary to combat illegal immigration and strengthen the country's borders.

Huffman's memo also directs ICE officials to prioritize the deportation of immigrants who have been in the country for over a year without formally applying for asylum. Furthermore, it authorizes closing cases in immigration courts and transferring migrants to the expedited removal program, which removes the need for a lengthy judicial process. Immigrant advocates have voiced concerns over the impact of these measures on vulnerable communities.

Legal Challenges and Criticism of Accelerated Deportations

The expansion of deportation powers has sparked widespread criticism and legal challenges. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit in a federal court in Washington D.C., arguing that the policy violates federal laws and constitutional rights. "The Trump administration seeks to bypass due process and push forward its mass deportation agenda," stated Anand Balakrishnan, an attorney for the organization.

These new powers could also affect Afghan and Ukrainian immigrants who entered the country under temporary programs, heightening fears among those who relied on the legal pathways offered by the previous government. Overall, Trump’s decision leaves millions in a state of uncertainty and vulnerability.

An Uncertain Future for Undocumented Immigrants

Trump's measures underscore his determination to use all available resources to push his hardline immigration policies. The executive order and DHS memo are just the beginning of a series of actions aimed at dismantling programs established during Biden’s administration. The migrant community now faces an uncertain future, with the threat of mass deportations potentially splitting families. Meanwhile, human rights advocates and legal organizations are preparing strategies to counter the new provisions in court.

The clash between Trump’s stringent immigration policies and immigrant rights is just beginning, marking a new chapter in the complex immigration debate in the United States.