Ex-ICE Director Unveils Criteria for Targeting Cities
Former acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director John Sandweg recently shared insights about the criteria for targeting cities during enforcement operations. Sandweg, who served under President Obama from 2013 to 2014, emphasized the factors influencing ICE’s decisions. His comments come amid political debates surrounding the agency’s actions in Democratic-led cities.
Key Criteria for Targeting Cities
According to Sandweg, the primary factor ICE considers is the size of the immigrant population in a city. Cities with significant immigrant communities become natural targets for enforcement operations. He stated, “The biggest driver would be immigrant population.” This means that larger urban areas might be prioritized for ICE activities due to the demographic landscape.
Impact of Sanctuary Policies
Sanctuary policies, which some cities adopt to protect undocumented immigrants, influence ICE’s operational focus. While not all sanctuary policies are identical, Sandweg noted that those areas often lead to a higher number of at-large targets. These are individuals who may not be incarcerated but are on ICE’s radar for potential enforcement actions.
- Key cities targeted by ICE in recent years include:
- Minneapolis
- Los Angeles
- Portland
- Chicago
In 2025, these cities saw a surge of ICE activity, reflecting their considerable immigrant populations and the presence of sanctuary policies. Sandweg warns that such enforcement activities may be “just beginning,” suggesting that more crackdowns may be planned.
ICE’s Strategy for Urban Areas
Sandweg explained that larger cities are typically targeted due to their population density and the likelihood of encountering individuals with criminal backgrounds. “You want to go where the criminals are,” he asserted. This focus means that urban areas often bear the brunt of ICE operations.
While some sanctuary jurisdictions may collaborate with ICE on serious criminal cases, others remain uncooperative, creating challenges for the agency. Sandweg remarked on the operational difficulties posed by jurisdictions that refuse to comply with ICE detainer requests. These situations can lead to increased ICE presence in such regions, as the agency seeks to address its enforcement needs.
Conclusion
Understanding the criteria for targeting cities is crucial for comprehending the complexities surrounding ICE enforcement operations. The interplay between immigrant populations and sanctuary policies continues to shape the dynamics of these actions. As discussions unfold, the role of ICE in urban areas remains a contentious issue in American immigration policy.
