NYC Braces for Mass Deportations: What Happens Next?

With President Trump's plan for mass deportations underway, New York City is preparing for potential immigration raids. The scale of the operation remains uncertain, with estimates ranging from 11 to 20 million people. Experts like David Dyssegaard Kallick and Muzaffar Chishti believe deportations are imminent, although the exact numbers are unknown.

The Numbers

According to the Pew Research Center:

• The U.S. has a record-breaking foreign-born population of 47.3 million (14.3% of the total population) in 2023.
• 77% of immigrants are here legally, with 49% becoming naturalized citizens (as of 2022).
• Approximately 23% are unauthorized immigrants.

<ul><li>The U.S. recorded a record-breaking foreign born population of 47.3 million in 2023, meaning immigrants account for 14.3% of the population.</li><li>As of 2022, 77% of the immigrants in this country were here legally, with 49% becoming naturalized citizens.</li><li>About 23% are unauthorized immigrants., and other 4% are legal temporary residents.</li></ul>

NYC's Response

Over the past two and a half years, over 220,000 asylum seekers have arrived in NYC. Currently, 51,000 remain under the city's care. NYC's Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs, Manuel Castro, emphasizes the city's commitment to its sanctuary city policies, ensuring city staff are trained to uphold these policies while remaining neutral in federal enforcement. The NYPD has issued a memo stating that officers cannot assist in civil immigration enforcement but cannot impede it either. The Justice Department is investigating local officials potentially interfering with the federal crackdown.

<img src="https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox5ny.com/www.fox5ny.com/content/uploads/2025/01/932/524/gettyimages-2192610110.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Migrants line up outside a migrant re-ticketing center">

Unknowns and Concerns

The timing and specifics of the deportations are unclear, although Mayor Adams is reportedly discussing with ICE about deporting migrants with criminal records. President Trump plans to utilize the military in the operation. The potential for family separations and the city's preparedness for such a scenario are significant concerns.

<img src="https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox5ny.com/www.fox5ny.com/content/uploads/2025/01/932/524/fs_immigation-2025_00039.png?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Graphic related to immigration">

ICE's Previous Actions

ICE's initial operation resulted in over 460 arrests of undocumented immigrants with criminal records, including convictions for serious crimes like sexual assault and robbery.

What's Next?

The situation remains fluid, and New York News will continue to provide updates as they unfold.