The Trump administration's nationwide crackdown on immigrants is expected to begin this weekend, targeting migrant families in cities across the country.
The sweeps were expected to start Sunday, but New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted Saturday that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency had already taken action in New York.
Immigrant communities have been on edge since President Donald Trump's administration announced plans for the operation, inflaming the political debate over immigration. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a pre-emptive lawsuit Thursday that aims to protect asylum seekers. Activists held demonstrations and advocates coached immigrants on their rights.
Thousands of people, including immigrants and their supporters, rally against President Trump's immigration policy, especially the detention of children, marching from Daley Plaza to the Chicago field office for Immigration and Customs Enforcement,, Saturday, July 13, 2019 in Chicago. (Abel UribeChicago Tribune via AP)
Administration officials have said that the coordinated action will target about 2,000 people with final deportation orders in major cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Miami.
Thousands of people, including immigrants and their supporters, rally against President Trump's immigration policy, especially the detention of children, marching from Daley Plaza to the Chicago field office for Immigration and Customs Enforcement,, Saturday, July 13, 2019 in Chicago. (Abel UribeChicago Tribune via AP)
Thousands of people, including immigrants and their supporters, rally against President Trump's immigration policy, especially the detention of children, marching from Daley Plaza to the Chicago field office for Immigration and Customs Enforcement,, Saturday, July 13, 2019 in Chicago. (Abel UribeChicago Tribune via AP)