In light of rising public discontent and mounting tensions surrounding immigration, the U.S. government appears to be on the brink of altering its immigration enforcement strategy, as revealed by a local source citing statements from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The anticipated strategy shift involves moving away from large-scale, visible raids to focus on more targeted operations. The priority will be capturing undocumented immigrants with serious criminal convictions, particularly those involved in what are considered "heinous" crimes, according to DHS sources.
The DHS Shift: From Public Raids to Targeted Operations
Gone are the days of highly publicized mass raids. Instead, the DHS is gearing up to implement more targeted tactics, emphasizing the apprehension of undocumented immigrants with significant criminal records.
“Massive raids are not winning public favor,” highlighted NewsNation. According to Ali Bradley, border correspondent for the said outlet, the shift is largely attributed to Gregory Bovino, commander of the U.S. Border Patrol, who is spearheading the teams responsible for these operations.
Bradley noted, “We won’t necessarily see people being detained on the street as we have, like in a Home Depot raid. We witnessed someone running and this arrest happening in real time.”
While some traffic checkpoints will continue, the focus is no longer on intercepting any undocumented immigrant, but rather prioritizing those with serious criminal backgrounds.
Public Backlash Against Large-Scale Raids
Mass deportation operations, such as those conducted in public venues like Home Depot stores or car washes, have become emblematic of U.S. immigration policy. However, these tactics have faced growing backlash.
A survey by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) indicated that public approval of President Donald Trump's immigration management dropped from 42% in March to 33% by December.
Additionally, a YouGov poll showed that the majority of Americans disapprove of the mass raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The impact on immigrants has been profound. A joint survey by KFF and The New York Times found that nearly half of the immigrants surveyed reported feeling less secure since Trump’s return to the White House.
Are Public Raids Ending Completely?
Despite the strategic shift, some large-scale operations will persist. For instance, "Catahoula Crunch," recently deployed in New Orleans, resulted in over 250 arrests in one week, with DHS aiming for 5,000 detentions.
“Although tactics are changing, operations like ‘Catahoula Crunch’ in New Orleans will continue,” warned NewsNation. This nuance indicates that the shift is not a complete withdrawal from a tough stance, but rather a tactical recalibration in response to a public less tolerant of excessive immigration enforcement.
Cities Marked by Raids and Protests
Throughout 2025, the Border Patrol has conducted visible operations in cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and Charlotte, North Carolina. These deployments did not go unnoticed and sparked protests, confrontations with agents, and multiple allegations of abuses.
In many instances, immigrants were intercepted based on factors such as ethnicity, accent, language, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Such diffuse risk profiles have been heavily criticized by human rights activists and lawyers, who denounce a persistent environment of racial harassment and discrimination, even under the new scheme.
The Political Element of the Change
Immigration remains a pivotal component of President Trump’s rhetoric, both in his first term and now in his second tenure as president. However, the political cost of extreme tactics seems to have raised alarms within his administration.
According to The Hill, “the shift occurs amid a string of negative polls for President Trump over his immigration crackdown,” indicating a tactical rather than ideological adjustment.
Strategically, the new immigration policy aims to demonstrate an active government in border security, but less inclined to public displays that erode electoral support, especially among independent voters and moderate Latino communities.
What Can Immigrants Expect Moving Forward?
While spectacular raids may decrease in frequency, selective enforcement remains robust. For undocumented immigrants without criminal records, this shift might offer slight relief in daily life.
However, for those with prior convictions, the pursuit will be more systematic and focused.
Key Questions on U.S. Immigration Policy Shift
What is the new focus of the U.S. immigration policy?
The new focus is on more targeted operations, aiming to detain undocumented immigrants with serious criminal convictions rather than conducting large-scale public raids.
Why is the U.S. government changing its immigration raid tactics?
The change is in response to public disapproval and political backlash against mass raids, aiming to adopt a more focused approach to immigration enforcement.
Will large-scale immigration raids completely stop?
No, while tactics are shifting, some large-scale operations like "Catahoula Crunch" will continue, demonstrating a tactical recalibration rather than a full retreat from aggressive enforcement.