NewsNation’s Ali Bradley hosted a panel of law enforcement experts on the border at 6p/5c. Click here to watch the Q&A.
(NewsNation) — Mass deportations were one of President Donald Trump’s main campaign promises — and now, some people are using them to spread misinformation and rumors about Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids.
ICE agents arrested hundreds of undocumented immigrants during Trump’s first week in office.
Two metropolitan police departments in Georgia, Forest Park and Clayton County, went on Facebook to clarify that they are not partnering with ICE.
“We’re here to dispel that rumor and clearly state that we have NOT engaged in any activity with ICE by any means; nor have we been notified that they’re conducting business within city limits,” Forest Park’s statement said. “Furthermore, we are not targeting our Hispanic citizens or those who commute throughout the City of Forest Park.”
In Durham, North Carolina, last week, a supermarket had to write a statement saying that any claims of raids at their stores are just a “harmful prank.” These claims, Super Compare Foods wrote, were the result of people seen near their stores in uniforms and vehicles made to look like the ones used by border agents.
“What’s most concerning is that these actions were carried out with clear malicious intent, aimed at spreading fear and misinformation in a time when our community is already in a fragile and sensitive climate,” the statement said.
Super Compare Foods filed a report with Durham Police, and the supermarket says it will pursue legal action against the individuals responsible.
Mass deportations under Trump
On Sunday alone, ICE reported 956 arrests. That number follows the arrest of roughly 1,300 people by Thursday, according to numbers put out by “border czar” Tom Homan.
Arrests made in the first three days of Trump’s second term represent about 1.1% of total arrests made by ICE in FY 2024. The number of arrests has gone from 310 a day to about 433 — and that number is expected to grow.
Raids were reported in Chicago, Illinois; Denver, Colorado; Austin, Texas; New Jersey; Los Angeles, California; San Antonio, Texas; Miami, Florida; Detroit, Michigan; Omaha, Nebraska; Phoenix, Arizona and Atlanta, Georgia.
Officials in “sanctuary cities” such as Chicago have vowed to protect immigrant communities from mass deportations.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said on X that police were not involved in ICE enforcement activity in the city.
“My team and I are in close communication with city officials including the CPD,” he said. “It is imperative that all Chicagoans know their constitutional rights and share the Know Your Rights guidance with their neighbors and community.”
How to avoid ICE scams
Officials warn that scammers are posing as ICE officials and demanding money from people.
To avoid them, officials say to avoid making payments over the phone or email and to remember that agents do not request financial information or money to dismiss an investigation or arrest warrant.
People can report suspected ICE fraud to the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General at 1-800-323-8603.
NewsNation digital producer Anna Kutz contributed to this report.