Trump Ramps Up Immigration Crackdown in First Year Back

Enforcement efforts soar as legal pathways for entry are restricted, sparking backlash and court battles

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:22am

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In his first year back in office, President Trump has completely shifted the U.S. approach to immigration, launching the most visible enforcement effort seen in history while closing the door to many legal pathways for entering the U.S. Trump promised to plug the border and crack down hard on those living in the country illegally, and under his tenure crossings have fallen to a historic low while the number of people kept in immigration detention centers has soared.

Why it matters

Trump's aggressive immigration policies have sparked significant backlash, with polls showing declining approval for ICE and growing support for abolishing the agency. The crackdown has also negatively impacted Trump's overall approval ratings, as critics argue his actions "demean and denigrate the American values" of being a nation of immigrants.

The details

While Trump pledged to remove those in the country illegally, he has instead taken actions that target immigrants with legal status, such as revoking student visas, ending temporary protected status for over 1 million people, and pausing immigration visa processing for 75 countries. The administration has also faced numerous court battles over its immigration policies, with many of Trump's moves being paused or overturned by the courts.

  • In October, Trump set the lowest refugee cap in history, allowing just 7,500 refugees to come into the country in the coming year.
  • In March, Trump said he would strip the parole status former President Biden gave to citizens of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Honduras.
  • In the wake of the killing of a National Guard officer in November, Trump paused the processing of pending immigration petitions for people from 19 countries on the travel ban list.

The players

President Trump

The current President of the United States who has implemented aggressive immigration policies, including increased enforcement efforts and restrictions on legal pathways for entry.

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio)

A Republican Congressman and ally of President Trump who has praised the administration's immigration actions as fulfilling campaign promises.

Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.)

A Democratic Congressman who has introduced legislation to shift immigration enforcement policies and argues that Trump's actions "demean and denigrate the American values" of being a nation of immigrants.

Shev Dalal-Dheini

The senior director of government relations at the American Immigration Lawyers Association, who has criticized the Trump administration for shutting down legal immigration and taking away legal status from individuals.

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Florida)

A Republican Congressman whose Florida district includes many people who came in on parole or were covered by Temporary Protected Status, and who has called for a more nuanced approach to these immigration issues.

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What they’re saying

“Our job is pretty basic. What did you tell the voters you were going to do when you ran for it? If you get elected, go do what you say. No one does that better than President Trump.”

— Rep. Jim Jordan, Republican Congressman

“The damage to the country is far greater than the actual policy or even the deportation results, because what he's attacking are the very fundamental values that have been the bedrock of this country since its founding, which is that it's the land of opportunity that was built by immigrants, has been a refuge for those who are suffering around the world.”

— Rep. Dan Goldman, Democratic Congressman

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.