Trump administration lifts restrictions on ICE raids at farms, hotels and restaurants

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) -- The Trump administration is lifting restrictions on immigration raids at job sites that heavily depend on undocumented labor including farms, hotels and restaurants, marking a major reversal from prior federal guidance.

The Department of Homeland Security says immigration enforcement agents are once again authorized to conduct worksite operations, a move drawing sharp backlash from Democrats and immigrant rights advocates.

“The message is clear that we're going to continue to do worksite enforcement operations—even on farms and hotels but based on a prioritized basis. Criminals come first," President Trump’s border czar Tom Homan said.

Homan says the renewed focus on immigration raids is about law enforcement, not politics, despite criticism that the administration is targeting Democratic-run sanctuary cities.

President Trump has ordered federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to expand deportation efforts in some of the nation's largest metropolitan hubs.

“Radical Democrats will no longer be allowed to shelter illegals who threaten public safety as part of their cynical efforts to expand political power,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

However, Democratic lawmakers are pushing back, calling the policy politically motivated. 

“The fact that they’re targeting Democratic areas is basically unconstitutional and deeply, deeply troubling to me,” Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) said.

Duckworth also raised concerns about the possible use of U.S. troops in immigration enforcement.

“This administration is politicizing our nation's military when it should not be politicized,” she warned.

The White House has not deployed military personnel to conduct immigration raids, but troops have been sent to the southern border to support efforts to prevent illegal crossings.