The Trump administration is set to implement a more aggressive immigration enforcement strategy in 2026, supported by billions in new funding. This initiative comes as the administration faces increasing backlash ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. In 2023, additional immigration agents were deployed to major U.S. cities, and high-profile raids were conducted on businesses, notably avoiding sectors like agriculture and manufacturing that employ many undocumented immigrants.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol are projected to receive $170 billion in additional funding through September 2029, a significant increase from their existing budget of approximately $19 billion. This funding, approved by a Republican-controlled Congress, aims to facilitate the hiring of thousands of new agents, the opening of additional detention centers, and increased collaboration with private companies to locate undocumented individuals.

Despite these plans, political resistance is emerging, particularly in cities with large immigrant populations. For example, Miami recently elected its first Democratic mayor in nearly three decades, a shift attributed to local reactions against the administration's immigration policies. Polling indicates growing concern among voters regarding aggressive enforcement tactics, which some perceive as violations of civil rights and due process.

The administration's deportation strategy has included the revocation of temporary legal status for hundreds of thousands of Haitian, Venezuelan, and Afghan immigrants, expanding the pool of individuals eligible for deportation. The White House aims to remove one million immigrants annually, although current deportation figures suggest this target may not be met. Tom Homan, the White House border czar, claims significant progress in deportation efforts, asserting that the number of arrests will increase sharply as ICE expands its workforce and detention capacity. However, data shows that a substantial portion of those arrested by ICE have no criminal record beyond alleged immigration violations, raising concerns about the focus of enforcement efforts.

The impact of these policies extends to immigrant entrepreneurs, who are vital to the U.S. economy. For instance, Alejandro Flores-Muñoz, an entrepreneur from Guadalajara, Mexico, benefited from the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, allowing him to pursue business ownership. However, he now faces uncertainty regarding his immigration status due to the ramp-up in deportation efforts. Immigrants, whether documented or undocumented, start businesses at higher rates than native-born citizens, contributing significantly to job creation and economic growth. Yet, many entrepreneurs are being detained despite having no criminal records, disrupting their businesses and communities.

An analysis by the Cato Institute revealed that only 29% of those detained by ICE during a specific period were convicted criminals, contradicting claims that deportations would focus on the 'worst of the worst.' The consequences of mass deportation policies can lead to job losses and economic instability in communities reliant on immigrant-owned businesses. Some states have begun to implement policies to support immigrant entrepreneurship, recognizing the economic contributions of these individuals. Legislative efforts at the national level have also been introduced to create visa categories for immigrant entrepreneurs, aiming to foster economic growth rather than hinder it through aggressive deportation strategies.

Overall, the Trump administration's immigration policies reflect a significant shift towards militarized enforcement, raising questions about the humanitarian and social implications of such strategies, especially as they affect the economic contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs.