Hundreds of migrants arrested as Trump’s deportation drive begins

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

The United States has commenced what was described as the “largest massive deportation operation in history,” marking a significant step in President Donald Trump’s campaign to address illegal immigration.
The United Nations has responded to this, stressing that while countries have the right to control their borders, the right to seek asylum is a universally recognized human right.

Actions on the Southern Border:

On his first day in office, President Trump declared a “national emergency” at the U.S. southern border and ordered the deployment of additional troops to the region, committed to targeting “criminal aliens” for deportation as part of his broader immigration enforcement strategy.

Undocumented Immigrants in the US:

The Office of Homeland Security Statistics estimates that there are approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants currently residing in the United States, a key factor influencing the scale and scope of the deportation operation.
The U.S. has long been a destination for individuals seeking asylum due to violence, political unrest, or persecution in their home countries.

Southern Border:

The term “southern border” refers to the international border between the United States and Mexico. It extends from the Pacific Ocean in the west to the Gulf of Mexico in the east.
Many asylum seekers, particularly from Central America, journey to the southern border to apply for refuge.
One of the most prominent and controversial aspects of Donald Trump’s first presidency was his focus on building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
While the wall itself was not fully completed as envisioned, the administration did replace or upgrade existing barriers in some areas, and new fencing was constructed in specific high-priority regions.