Trump Issues Immigration Proclamation as ICE Pushes Aggressive Enforcement Tactics
Yesterday, President Trump issued a proclamation imposing total and partial restrictions on immigration and travel to the United States for citizens of 19 countries. This proclamation represents one of the most sweeping expansions of travel and immigration restrictions in recent years. It signals a renewed focus from U.S. immigration officials on limiting entry from countries deemed to present security or enforcement concerns. It is expected to affect both family-based and employment-based immigration.
On May 27, 2025, ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons issued a policy memorandum providing detailed guidance on civil immigration enforcement in and around courthouses. The directive outlines the categories of noncitizens who may be subject to enforcement actions, including those with criminal convictions or pending removal orders. At the same time, the memo underscores that ICE officers should generally avoid enforcement near non-criminal or specialized courts. This includes courts handling family, housing, or small claims matters, in an effort to limit disruption to sensitive judicial proceedings.
However, the memo leaves broad discretion to field officers. Advocates have raised concerns that courthouse enforcement by U.S. immigration officials will continue to discourage noncitizens from attending hearings where their rights and obligations are at stake.
Adding to these developments, The Guardian reported that senior immigration officials instructed frontline officers to “turn the creative knob up to 11” when conducting enforcement. U.S. immigration officials encouraged officers to pursue “collaterals”—individuals encountered during operations who may not have been original targets. The directive also urged staff to “push the envelope” by finding innovative methods to increase arrests. Officers were encouraged to forward new enforcement ideas to supervisors.
Together, the Presidential Proclamation and the ICE directive reflect a coordinated strategy by U.S. immigration officials to expand immigration enforcement nationwide. The measures may result in a significant rise in apprehensions and worksite enforcement actions. They could also cause challenges for noncitizens navigating the immigration system. Immigration advocates caution that these steps could heighten fear in immigrant communities and increase barriers to due process.
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