Obama condemns demonization of immigrants as Trump orders the largest ICE deportation push in U.S. history.

Obama Urges Dignity for Immigrants Amid Crackdown

Former President Barack Obama spoke out Sunday evening against the treatment of immigrants in the United States, warning that many are being “demonized and treated as enemies.” In a series of social media posts, Obama reflected on his administration’s actions to protect young immigrants, specifically referencing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. “DACA was an example of how we can be a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws. And it’s an example worth remembering today, when families with similar backgrounds who just want to live, work, and support their communities, are being demonized and treated as enemies,” Obama wrote.

He stressed the need for comprehensive immigration reform that maintains both security and compassion. “We can fix our broken immigration system while still recognizing our common humanity and treating each other with dignity and respect. In fact, it’s the only way we ever will,” Obama added, emphasizing that lasting solutions depend on dignity and shared humanity.

Trump Orders Largest ICE Deportation Operation in U.S. History

President Donald Trump, responding just hours later, took a sharply contrasting stance. In a Truth Social post, Trump commended U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers for their strength and resolve, instructing them to carry out what he described as the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history. “ICE Officers are herewith ordered, by notice of this TRUTH, to do all in their power to achieve the very important goal of delivering the single largest Mass Deportation Program in History,” Trump declared.

Trump specifically directed federal agencies to focus on detaining and deporting undocumented immigrants from major cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York—places he described as Democrat strongholds where, he claimed, illegal immigration is used to influence elections and expand the welfare state. “These, and other such Cities, are the core of the Democrat Power Center, where they use Illegal Aliens to expand their Voter Base, cheat in Elections, and grow the Welfare State, robbing good paying Jobs and Benefits from Hardworking American Citizens,” Trump argued.

He affirmed his full support for ICE, FBI, DEA, ATF, Pentagon officials, and the State Department in the nationwide immigration crackdown. “Now go, GET THE JOB DONE!” he commanded, promising unwavering federal backing for enforcement efforts. Trump also stressed the federal government’s focus on “remigration”—the removal of undocumented immigrants to their countries of origin—and preventing the entry of individuals deemed a threat to domestic order.

The exchange between Obama and Trump underscores the sharp divisions in American politics over immigration policy. As the Trump administration intensifies efforts to remove undocumented residents, calls for reform and compassion from former leaders and advocacy groups are likely to continue, reflecting a nation deeply split over the future of its immigration system.